In arguably the biggest steal of the offseason, the Las Vegas Aces landed Chennedy Carter after a one-year absence from the WNBA. What Carter brings to the court cannot be denied: scoring, aura, and an infectious energy that propels momentum in her team's favour. The fact that this kind of impact is currently coming from the bench is hugely beneficial for the Aces for more than one reason. Most notably, it will help reduce the burden placed on A’ja Wilson.
For several years, A'ja Wilson has carried the weight of Las Vegas on her shoulders, despite being teamed with a set of sensational players. The four-time MVP has been the Aces' talisman both offensively and defensively, and that was never more evident than last season. Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks, while shooting 50.5% from the floor as the Nevada-based franchise fought its way to a third championship in four years.
These numbers define greatness, but they also highlight an unsustainable level of production that will only end in a player suffering from fatigue in the latter stages of the season. Wilson needed a partner to alleviate a percentage of that strain, so when the postseason rolls around, the South Carolina legend will be at her inevitable best. The addition of Chennedy Carter is already proving that Las Vegas may have found a solution to that potential problem.
Carter is hitting the jackpot early in Las Vegas
Chennedy Carter's talent levels have never been in question. Even during her turbulent stint with the Chicago Sky, the 27-year-old established herself as a defender's worst nightmare due to her aggressive offensive style. However, rumoured locker-room issues were allegedly the reason the Sky opted not to offer her a new contract, leading Carter to play overseas for the 2025 WNBA season.
Whatever the true reason behind Carter's departure from the league was, it does not seem to matter now as she has returned to the W in sensational form. Despite not starting any of her first three games with the Aces, Carter has provided the team with a different dynamic in her minutes and has already made Las Vegas a far more dangerous team to contend with.
Carter has recorded 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game, while hitting 73% of her shots. With each passing game, the explosive guard is becoming more dangerous, with a season-high 27-point performance coming in the Aces' most recent 98-69 victory over the Connecticut Sun. Carter incredibly went 13-for-16 from the floor in this matchup.
Chennedy Carter put on a SHOW, contributing 27 PTS off the bench to power the @LVAces dominate win! 🤩
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 14, 2026
27 PTS | 8 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL | 13-16 FG#WNBASeason30 pic.twitter.com/4sZ7mjOv64
From a personal perspective, this feels like validation for Chennedy Carter; her one-year exile from the WNBA has brought maturity and all-around development to her game. But most importantly, the Las Vegas Aces have acquired an elite-level offensive talent who can decrease the unwavering pressure that has rested on A'ja Wilson's shoulders over the years.
Las Vegas felt dangerous in 2025; now, they look unstoppable. Many were split between the New York Liberty and the Aces as championship favorites entering the season, but the pendulum may already be swinging toward Becky Hammon's side.
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