Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum will miss the 2020 season after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. The status of the 2020 season is still up in the air, but Plum will not be there if it does happen. Plum underwent surgery Thursday and is expected to make full recovery.
Where do I start….I tore my achillies tendon couple days ago. So many people that love and support me and will stand by me through this, I’m grateful. I’ll be back, better than ever. Just wait on it ✊
— Kelsey Plum (@Kelseyplum10) June 11, 2020
Last season the Aces point guard averaged 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Plum also shot 36 percent from three. Plum stepped her game up in the playoffs, she upped her scoring average to 15.2 points per game and shot 52.9 percent from beyond the arc.
The moment was not too big for the point guard; her leadership will be missed. With the addition of Angel McCoughtry, the Aces were depending on Plum to stretch the floor with her three-point shot. With Plum out, other players must step up.
Who Will Step Up For Las Vegas?
In the offseason, the Las Vegas Aces did sign Danielle Robinson; she is more of a slasher than a shooter. Robinson averaged 10.1 points per game and only shot 22 percent from three-point land. Robinson does not shoot many outside shots, but she is an outstanding defensive player. The former Lynx star is a three-time All-Star and made three WNBA All-Defensive Second Teams.
Lindsay Allen is back after missing last season due to a knee injury, but she is not an outside threat either. Veteran Sugar Rodgers could play a significant role as well with Plum out. Rodgers has some three-point shooting ability, having shot 34 percent from three in her career. In 2016 while with the New York Liberty, Rodgers shot 41 percent from beyond the arc.
A player that could benefit from Plum being out is 2019 first overall pick, Jackie Young. Young did not have a successful rookie season; she only averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 assist per game. She only shot 32 percent from the field and 31 from three-point land. With players like Kayla McBride, Liz Cambage, A’ja Wilson, and McCoughtry getting the most attention, Young could get a lot of open looks. It is up to her to capitalize on those looks. Young should make a significant jump in year two.
