WNBA SHE COMING BACK: Aces bring Tiffany Hayes out of

WNBA SHE COMING BACK: Aces bring Tiffany Hayes out of retirement to boost title hopes

HENDERSON, Nev. — To pursue a third consecutive WNBA title and address their roster shortage, the Las Vegas Aces brought former All-Star and consistent double-digit scorer Tiffany Hayes out of retirement on Friday.

Last season, Hayes played 40 games for the Connecticut Sun, averaging 12.1 points per game. The Sun reached the playoff semifinals but were defeated by the New York Liberty, with Hayes contributing 15 points in the Game 4 loss.

Although Hayes retired after the season, the chance to join the talented Aces was too appealing to decline.

“Joining the Aces will be very exciting for me,” Hayes said in a statement. “I’m just grateful that they are willing to work with me as I am diving head first into a new era in my life. It will be nice to experience the West Coast and this organization as I join them on the road to another winning season. I have no doubts that there is something special brewing, and I’m just another great ingredient being added to the mix.”

It remains to be seen how the Aces will utilize the 5-foot-10 Hayes.

Jackie Young has been playing out of position at point guard due to Chelsea Gray’s continued absence following a left foot injury sustained in last season’s WNBA Finals. However, Young has thrived in the role, averaging 21.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds entering Friday’s game against Atlanta.

Hayes spent her first 10 seasons with the Dream, earning All-Star honors in 2017 and first-team all-league selection in 2018, with a career average of 13.6 points.

“Tiffany is a fiery competitor with a winner’s mentality,” Aces general manager Natalie Williams said in a statement. “A savvy veteran who will be a great addition to our team.”

The roster spot opened up after the Aces waived rookie point guard Dyaisha Fair on Sunday, leaving Kate Martin as the sole player from this year’s draft class on the roster. Martin has scored 21 points over the past two games, making 5 of 10 3-pointers.

Las Vegas also has Elizabeth Kitley, who is sidelined this year after tearing her ACL late in the season at Virginia Tech.