Carla Leite always had the potential to make an impact in the WNBA, but with the Golden State Valkyries, that never came to fruition. However, Leite is thriving with a second chance with the Portland Fire, creating a narrative that she can be the league's next superstar. No player should be judged off one bad season -- the dynamic guard is living proof that fitting into a system matters just as much as talent itself.
After one year with the Valkyries, many were unsure where Carla Leite's career was heading. Leite started just six times in 37 appearances in Golden State, averaging 7.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, and two assists, while shooting 38.7% from the floor.
Numbers like these will never make a player the face of a franchise. In fact, statistics of this nature often lead to them being handed short-term contracts, jumping from team to team and never finding a city to call home. Fortunately for Leite, Portland believed in her exciting potential and was willing to grant her the opportunity to salvage her WNBA career.
Leite is taking full advantage of her second chance
The WNBA is an unforgiving league that can dangle hope in front of an athlete's face before snatching it away just as quickly. Even under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) regulations, roster spots are limited. Due to increased salaries, franchises are under pressure to make sure rosters are as close to perfect as they can get them. One bad season can see a player leave the W as fast as they entered, which is why Carla Leite had no choice but to make a statement.
In Golden State, Leite was nothing more than a rotational piece, utilised in a system that relied heavily on ball movement and defense. The next pass was important for Natalie Nakase, leaving Leite with little flexibility to showcase her true capabilities. For the Valkyries, this was a successful blueprint that carried them into the postseason during their inaugural campaign, but it didn't help a player in the mould of Leite shine.
Just a year removed from her disappointing stint with the Golden State Valkyries, Carla Leite has done more than prove she is capable of staying in the league; she has proven that she can star with it. With the Portland Fire, the 22-year-old has averaged 15.9 points and 6.4 assists per game to display her offensive versatility. Without her in the lineup, it's hard to believe the expansion franchise would be in playoff contention.
Carla Leite might not be considered an All-Star just yet, but given her rapid rise this season, it won't be long until she is in those conversations. She should be a fitting example to the league's current castaways that they could be one stroke of luck away from being a star in the WNBA.
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