“My players are in commercials and this and that, being freaking celebrities,” said Becky Hammon after game 2 loss to the New York Liberty. And her recent comments certainly stirred up a debate. The coach just couldn’t hold back her frustration and blamed her players after ending up in a tough situation in the semis. But it looks like it quite doesn’t sit well with other players, one of them is the multitalented No. 4 of the LSU Tigers.

Flau’jae Johnson quickly stepped in to defend her fellow basketball players. She posed a pretty good question: “Do athletes can focus on doing things off the court and still be focused on the court?” She believes the pressure might even push Las Vegas to play harder. “Of course, they got a target on their back. They’re the Aces!” the 2023 NCAA Champion exclaimed, highlighting that the pressure of fame could actually motivate them to clinch that championship. And she might have a real point here. 

This came after devastating playoff losses against New York Liberty, the HC vented her concerns in a postgame press conference. She said, “The whole league has been pissed off for the last eight months, and my players are in commercials and this and that, being freaking celebrities.” This reflects the pressure that comes with fame and maintaining peak performance under scrutiny. 

Does celebrity status really affect player performance?

Well, it’s a fine line that WNBA stars are walking this year. Being in the spotlight can be exhilarating but can also lead to distractions. In Hammon’s words, it’s human nature. But the case isn’t the same for everyone. For instance, 2024 MVP Wilson is one of those players who’s excelling both on and off the court. She has embraced her role as a star athlete while participating in a Nike campaign for the Paris Olympics. 

Also, Kelsey Plum continues to shine in her role with the Aces while also starring in a Skims ad. These endorsements not only boost their visibility- and ofc income but also elevate their profile as a whole. Then there’s Aliyah Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, who’s already rocking with her strong performances while landing multiple endorsement deals.

And It’s not just the Aces players who are shining. Satou Sabally, the Most Improved Player of 2023, has capitalized on her breakout season with various off-court opportunities. Courtney Vandersloot, a key player for the NY Liberty, has also managed to secure advertising contracts. These athletes prove that you can have it all—success on the court and in the endorsement arena.

About coach Hammon, this isn’t the first time she has called out her players. During a playoff loss, she was seen tearing into Kelsey Plum on the bench after a game where she only managed to score six points. The pressure of the playoffs can amplify her reactions. But she truly values each one of her players. 

For now, it all boils down to the fact that the Aces have bounced back, clinching a crucial 95-81 victory in Game 3. They’ve shown that even amidst the distractions, they can still deliver when it matters. Let’s see what’s ahead for them!