The Las Vegas Aces bolstered their frontcourt by signing former NCAA champion center Kalani Brown following a season-ending injury to NaLyssa Smith .
The sudden roster addition quickly sparked a wave of reactions across social media as basketball fans weighed in on the championship contender's latest move.
Smith was having a great season for the Aces, averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds while leading the entire WNBA in field goal percentage at 63.8%. Her efficient scoring inside gave Las Vegas a solid frontcourt partner next to A'ja Wilson as the team pushed to retain its championship.
However, things took a bad turn during Sunday's 88-78 win over the Toronto Tempo . Smith suffered a non-contact left leg injury in the third quarter and had to be helped off the floor.
The Aces later confirmed that Smith will miss the remainder of the 2026 season, leaving a huge hole in their rotation right before the playoffs.
To fill that opening, the Aces officially announced on Saturday the signing of Brown, who won the 2019 NCAA championship with the Baylor Lady Bears. The 6-foot-7 center brings size and interior experience back to the league.
Brown became an Unrestricted Free Agent after a buyout with the Phoenix Mercury .
The quick roster move sparked plenty of reactions across social media. One user was amazed at how Las Vegas always stays in title contention, writing, "The RICH GET RICHERRR… these [expletive] always going to find a way .. never out the race EVER"
Another X account praised the front office while wishing Smith a quick recovery.
"What a great move by Aces organization Aces in 5 hope NaLyssa recovers well," they wrote .
Sports commentator Chris Williamson noted that he saw this move coming, writing :
"Kalani Brown is back!!! This was one of routes I felt the Aces could go if Brown wanted to return to the W."
One sports news account joked about how easily Las Vegas adds quality talent, writing : "Vegas is collecting talent like it's a cheat code."
One user mentioned another center option while looking forward to Brown's return. "I thought they would've went after McCowan but Kalani hasn't hooped in a minute so this will be interesting," they wrote.
The Aces sit third in the leaderboard with a 27-13 record. They defeated Tempo again on Friday and will now move into a break for the FIBA World Cup.
Adding Brown gives the Aces much-needed interior depth and rim protection as they prepare for the postseason. They will be hoping that Brown's presence inside can keep their championship hopes alive.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
