LAS VEGAS – The Aces are getting into the 2026 season in acquainted territory, with a goal on their again and the chance to enter uncharted territory in WNBA historical past. Not solely did the defending champions retain their franchise-defining trio in A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Grey, and Jackie Younger by signing them every to contemporary post-CBA offers in latest weeks, however additionally they added an explosive however polarizing guard in Chennedy Carter to the roster.
It wasn’t essentially a stunning signing. Carter has made a number of stops all through her skilled basketball journey and has been productive in every, however questions on how she matches into respective locker rooms have lingered largely due to the tumultuous ending to her time with the Atlanta Dream in 2022.
The Aces have traditionally embraced gamers who’ve handled turbulence within the league and have usually gotten the very best out of them, so it at all times appeared like Carter would sometime be a pure match to affix the fold at any time when the chance offered itself.
Chennedy Carter tonight 🔥
• 18 factors• 5 rebounds• 2 assists• 5/10 FG• 19 minutes performed pic.twitter.com/Ld1K0aTjIq
— Girls’s Hoops Community (@WomensHoops_USA) April 27, 2026
Meant To Be
Carter herself expressed that sentiment at Tuesday’s Media Day, admitting that she at all times felt that she would put on an Aces uniform earlier than her enjoying profession ran its course.
“For some cause, I felt like I’ve seen this coming,” Carter stated. “I do not know if I seen it coming now, however I felt like ultimately, earlier than my profession was over, I would be an Ace. Simply what (Becky Hammon) was telling me, how she felt about me as a participant, as an individual, it made me snug and assured to only say, sure, that I wish to come right here.”
Carter has been out and in of the WNBA since, and every time she re-enters the league, it rapidly turns into obvious that she not solely belongs however is likely one of the premier gamers in it. The Aces have been on the receiving finish of Carter’s performances prior to now. She tallied 34 factors (one shy of her profession excessive) for the Chicago Sky in a 93-85 upset win in July 2024, making 14-of-24 makes an attempt from the sector within the area that will likely be her residence this season.
Compliments From The GOAT
Chennedy Carter has the nod of approval from the four-time MVP Wilson, who spoke extremely of her new teammate, whose signing she had a considerable say in.
A’ja Wilson and her Glam Squad!
(by way of @dominicjlavoie)pic.twitter.com/6kGxXSN7BZ https://t.co/LDvonOh8pM
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 28, 2026
“She’s somebody that’s going to be a relentless menace,” Wilson stated. “She’s somebody that may rating all three ranges. I feel that may be a important piece to our workforce, that we would have liked somebody like that. The best way that her wheels flip in apply is one thing that is fairly spectacular. Being so younger on this league, she’s continually making an attempt to determine holes within the protection, but additionally get to her spots.
“I feel that speaks volumes as the kind of participant that she is. So it has been a pleasure to have her within the locker room. We’re gonna proceed to push and assist her develop. She’s gonna assist us develop. I used to be an opponent towards her when she fried us, and it is fairly cool to have her within the locker room now, so she will not be frying us. She’s truly going to be frying different folks with our jersey on, which I am very appreciative of.“
Pushing The Tempo
When it comes to how Chennedy Carter plans on becoming into the Aces‘ already established system, it begins with pushing the ball in transition and giving Grey a little bit of a break with ball-handling duties at sure factors within the sport. That was on show within the Aces’ 94-78 preseason win over Japan, the place Carter led the Aces with 18 factors, with the Aces holding an 8-2 benefit in quick break factors.
„I’m SPEED – Lightening McQueen“-Chennedy Carter #skytown pic.twitter.com/o8UscQYw4J
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) June 7, 2024
“I really feel like I am probably the greatest in transition,” Carter stated. “We’re going to have the ability to see that this season. Simply making it simpler for A’ja, making it simpler for Chelsea, Jackie, Jewel, NaLyssa, simply looking for my teammates and are available and actually match. I see a number of areas the place I may help them out, so far as, like, Chelsea not having to convey the ball up, she’s in a position to spot up as a result of I wish to push. There’s a number of other ways the coaches can rotate us and play us, and I am actually excited to see what we do that season. I really feel prefer it’ll be actually electrifying.“
The Aces will play their final preseason sport towards Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. On Might 9, they are going to kick off the common season in Phoenix towards Alyssa Thomas and the Mercury.
