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A'ja Wilson Welcomes Rookie Justine Pissott with Special Toy Story Backpack
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- A'ja Wilson Welcomes Rookie Justine Pissott with Special Toy Story Backpack
Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson made sure new teammate Justine Pissott felt right at home from the jump.
The four-time WNBA MVP has a well-known tradition of welcoming rookies with colorful backpacks as part of her initiation customs. Pissott was no exception.
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A reporter asked Wilson when Pissott would be receiving her kit. Turns out, she already had it.
The rookie gleefully pulled out her Toy Story-inspired bag during a postgame interview.
"Go get it. Very soon, immediately," Wilson said. "Justine has a water bottle, a lunch box, a whole lot. So fairly quickly, when I get my rookies, I gotta show them that kind of love. You got to be cute."
Pissott took one look at the bag and had no complaints whatsoever.
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"It's a cute one," she agreed.
Pissott's path to Las Vegas was unconventional. The 22-year-old was selected 25th overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2026 WNBA Draft out of Vanderbilt . She signed a development contract to play in Indiana.
However, Pissott only appeared in one preseason game for coach Stephanie White. The Aces saw her talent and tendered an offer sheet on July 7. The Fever had 24 hours to match but opted to decline.
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Las Vegas waived Chennedy Carter to clear roster space, and Pissott signed a rest-of-season deal.
The Aces found a diamond in the rough . In her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury , Pissott erupted for 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting. She went 5-of-6 from three-point range in just 10 minutes, setting a WNBA record for a debut performance.
Against her former team Sunday, she chipped in two points in the Aces' 109-75 loss to the Fever.
With Wilson in her corner, Pissott has the right mentor to unlock whatever ceiling she has in this league.
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Related: Stephanie White Explains Reason Behind Indiana Fever's Roster Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
