Chennedy Carter Ignites Las Vegas Aces as Their Most Impactful Newcomer

Five games into the 2026 season, guard Chennedy Carter has become the league’s most influential offseason addition. Off the bench she averages a career-high 19.4 points on 67.2% shooting, set a record 97 points in her first five games, and ranks No. 11 in league scoring with 2.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

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The former No. 4 overall pick spent two of the past three seasons out of the league before signing with the Aces as a free agent. Her comeback follows a period of frustration and off-court clashes, yet the move aligns with Las Vegas’ pursuit of a fourth championship.

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• 19.4 points per game, 67.2% field-goal shooting

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• 97 points in first five games – bench record

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• 3-for-8 from three-point range (37.5%); nine threes in 2024

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• 2.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals per game; No. 11 in scoring

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Coach Becky Hammon notes Carter’s “organic growth” and her new three-point weapon, stressing that the Aces give her minimal offensive structure to let her instincts dominate while continuing defensive coaching.

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Carter briefly left a post-game media session early in the season, reflecting lingering frustrations. Earlier, she has been described as wearing her emotions on her sleeve, leading to occasional clashes off the court. She now says she feels embraced by the Aces.

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The Aces, already talent-rich, added Carter to deepen a roster chasing a fourth league title. Her scoring surge and bench efficiency add depth that could prove decisive in close playoff games.

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Carter aims to expand her three-point range and improve defensive consistency. The Aces expect her to remain a key scoring option as the season moves toward the postseason.

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• “the one that is resilient” — Chennedy Carter, Guard, Las Vegas Aces

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• “I'm just thankful that I have a team that has embraced me and allowed me to be me. It's felt comfortable. It doesn't feel forced. It just feels right.” — Chennedy Carter

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• “I'm OK with being at the bottom and climbing my way back up to the top. I feel like I'm one of the best scorers in the world and I'm just accepting the process.” — Chennedy Carter

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• “There's a green light for me to just play my basketball.” — Chennedy Carter

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All sources present consistent statistics for Carter; no contradictory figures appear. Defensive metrics beyond steals are not detailed, leaving a gap in assessing her two-way impact.

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