A’ja Wilson has firmly established herself as the most dominant force in the WNBA today. The Las Vegas Aces star is a three-time league MVP and a two-time champion, leading the league in scoring for the past two consecutive seasons. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence makes her a nightmare matchup for any opponent. This elite status is why her game commands respect from the highest levels of basketball, including from NBA Hall of Famers who recognize a special talent when they see one.

This respect was put into bold words by Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, who has a history of praising Wilson’s unique abilities. Earlier this year, Wade argued that Wilson’s high basketball IQ would allow her to dominate certain NBA players who rely solely on athleticism. His latest comments take that belief a step further, making a definitive claim about how her skills would translate against the world’s best male players.

The conversation took place on the “Underground Lounge” podcast with former NBA player Lou Williams. When Williams suggested that a select few WNBA players could beat some men, Wade immediately agreed and singled out Wilson. “You are damn right it is,” Wade replied. “There is a few. A’ja Wilson can get a couple… Get into a 1-on-1 with someone like A’ja Wilson, who knows how to play basketball, that’s got crazy footwork and all that, your a** is gonna get tore up if you don’t know the game”.

Wade’s argument hinges on skill over pure physicality. He contends that many NBA players are taught to be athletes first and are not always coached on the nuanced fundamentals of the game. Wilson’s stats back up her credentials. She is averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds this season, numbers that would be respectable in any professional league. Her historic 32-point, 20-rebound game in August proved she can dominate a game through sheer skill and effort, providing a tangible basis for Wade’s bold proclamation.

Still, Wade avoided naming any specific NBA players she could beat. And as observers noted, any matchup would be a no-win situation for a male player, where a loss would damage credibility and a win wouldn’t earn much respect. Even so, hearing a Hall of Famer put his stamp of approval on Wilson’s chances has pushed the conversation into new territory. And when the endorsement comes from someone of Wade’s stature, it’s harder to dismiss. With that said, the debate around Wilson isn’t just about hypotheticals. It’s also tied to the historic milestones she’s already set on the WNBA court.

Historic Feats That Define A’ja Wilson

Earlier this summer, Wilson cemented her place in league history by becoming the first player ever to record a 30-point, 20-rebound double-double. She finished with 32 points and 20 boards in a win over the Connecticut Sun on August 11, 2025. “It’s huge. I didn’t even know…” Wilson admitted afterward. Underscoring how even her own potential sometimes sneaks up on her. That night placed her alongside names like Breanna Stewart and Lisa Leslie in the record books, though Wilson continues to carve out her own space in WNBA lore.

That game also marked her 30th career outing with at least 30 points, tying her with Stewart for third all-time. The performance highlighted not just her scoring, but her ability to control both ends of the floor. Adding five assists and two steals to her stat line, she showed once again why analysts label her the most complete player in the league. These aren’t empty numbers. They came in a tight contest where every rebound mattered, proving her dominance translates directly to winning.

Wilson’s postseason record tells the same story. Just days after that historic night, she moved into the top ten on the all-time playoff scoring list, dropping 29 points to pass several legends. Her ability to elevate when the stakes are highest has defined the Aces’ run of success. Two titles and back-to-back Finals MVP-caliber stretches already give her a résumé fit for the Hall of Fame. And at just 29, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

When you add LeBron James calling her “too damn good” and Wade suggesting she could beat NBA players, Wilson’s status in the sport feels undeniable. She’s dominating her own league while drawing respect from legends across the basketball spectrum. Records, rings, and rare feats have made her the face of the WNBA. The bigger question now is how far she’ll go in building a legacy that already sits shoulder to shoulder with some of the game’s all-time greats.