The Las Vegas Aces recently announced the waiving of guard Elena Tsineke from their roster. Tsineke, a former Washington Mystics draft pick in 2023, joined the Aces before being waived. During her college basketball career at South Florida, the 5'7" guard showcased her abilities, averaging 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Her final season was particularly impressive, with a career-high average of 17.9 points per game, drawing significant interest leading up to the WNBA Draft.

Despite the initial promise, Tsineke's WNBA career hasn't unfolded as expected thus far. However, at just 25 years old, she still has the potential to find success with the right opportunity.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Aces face considerable pressure. After securing consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023, the team experienced a setback in the 2024 postseason, losing to the New York Liberty in the semifinals. The Aces made a notable roster adjustment during the offseason, acquiring Jewell Loyd in a trade that involved sending Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks. This move marked a significant change, as Plum had been a long-time member of the organization.

While the addition of Loyd brings star power, the Aces still retain A'ja Wilson, a three-time MVP. This suggests that the team will remain competitive in 2025. However, their status as a legitimate WNBA Finals contender remains uncertain. Despite the rise of the Liberty as a formidable force, the Aces aim to prove their continued dominance in the WNBA. The pressure to perform is high, and any struggles could potentially lead to a rebuild. The Aces are approaching the season with confidence, bolstered by their talented roster.

As training camp and the preseason approach, the Aces will face more challenging roster decisions. The decision to waive Tsineke came as a surprise to some, highlighting the difficult choices that must be made during the preseason.