Tiffany Hayes, the dynamic scoring guard who was drafted 14th overall in 2012, is joining the Aces, as she shared in a statement: “I’m grateful they are willing to work with me as I dive headfirst into a new era in my life. I’m excited to experience the west coast and join this organization on their road to another winning season. I have no doubts that something special is brewing, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Hayes has been a consistent performer in the WNBA, averaging double figures in all but one season of her career. Her standout year came in 2018 when she averaged 17 points and earned a spot on the All-WNBA First Team. Last season with the Connecticut Sun, she contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
What made Hayes even more valuable to the Sun was her versatility. Stepping up as a makeshift point guard, she dished out a career-high 105 assists while also tying career highs in three-pointers made and attempted, shooting an impressive 37% from beyond the arc. She was the Sun’s fourth-leading scorer and became even more crucial to the team’s success after Brionna Jones suffered an Achilles injury.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon expressed her excitement about adding Hayes to the roster, particularly given the uncertainty around Chelsea Gray’s return from injury. Hammon highlighted Hayes’ experience, scoring ability, and toughness as key attributes. “We felt like we needed to add another guard with experience,” Hammon said, “… she’s somebody who’s given us buckets in the past… it was just an attempt to lengthen our bench a little bit and we’re super happy she said yes.”
Hayes’ versatility will be a valuable asset to the Aces. She can play both point guard and shooting guard, providing depth to the backcourt alongside Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. With Gray still sidelined, Hayes is expected to come off the bench and provide a scoring punch. Her playmaking abilities, showcased last season, further enhance her value to the team.
However, the question remains as to when Hayes will be game-ready. Having retired in December, her current fitness level is unknown. Coach Hammon emphasized the importance of sound defense, suggesting that it may take time for Hayes to reach full speed with the team. Hayes will not play in the upcoming game against Atlanta, and the Aces’ next game is on Wednesday, with Hammon aiming to have her join the team for the road trip starting in Dallas.
Veteran player Alysha Clark is expected to retain her starting role as the third guard, providing size and experience to the lineup. Hayes, known for her fiery competitiveness, will bring a veteran presence and scoring prowess to the Aces’ depleted backcourt. As she gets back into game shape, she will undoubtedly be a dangerous asset for the team as they navigate the grind of the season and look towards the playoffs.
Clark expressed her excitement about Hayes’ addition, saying, “I’m super excited… She’s a competitor, she’s fiery, a friend of mine, so I’m excited to have her in the locker room and on the court.”
The bigger question remains about Tiffany Hayes’ readiness. Having retired in December, her current fitness level is unknown. Coach Hammon, prioritizing sound defense, anticipates that it may take time for Hayes to reach full game speed with the team. Hayes will not be suiting up for the upcoming game against Atlanta on Friday, and the Aces don’t play again until Wednesday. According to Hammon, the team aims to integrate her during their subsequent road trip, which commences in Dallas.
For the time being, Hayes will likely assume a bench role, even with Gray’s injury. Coach Hammon prefers the starting lineup with Alysha Clark as the third guard, as it provides more size for the Aces. While Hayes came off the bench during the majority of her first two seasons, she hasn’t consistently done so in recent years. Nonetheless, her veteran presence bolsters the Aces’ backcourt, and as she regains her rhythm, she will undoubtedly become a formidable threat for the remainder of the season.
Alysha Clark expressed her enthusiasm about Hayes’ addition, stating, “I’m super excited. Tiff is an established vet in this league and a three-level scorer. To be able to add that to the roster we already have, along with another veteran presence, will be huge as we navigate the grind of the season and work towards the playoffs. I’m thrilled to have her as a competitor, a fiery presence, and a friend in the locker room and on the court.”
