WNBA legend Angel McCoughtry had her own perspective on the buzz surrounding the new Las Vegas Aces signing Chennedy Carter. And she voiced it loud and clear recently.

McCoughtry has been a mentor to Carter during her early seasons in the WNBA with the Atlanta Dream and believes her to be a "misunderstood" character. In an X update by Just Women's Sports on April 22, McCoughtry expressed her take on how the 27-year-old could do better with her team.

She said, "I got a chance to mentor Kennedy a little bit during her issues of being suspended, because I had gone through the same thing in Atlanta, being suspended and having this stigma put on me,  you know, this stigma [that] you're uncoachable, you're this, you're that.  And so I could relate to that."

McCoughtry backed Carter, stating, "But what I noticed from her is that she's misunderstood. You need someone to relate to you, just give you that talk. And I think she was very receptive to it."

Carter's talents are undeniable on the hardwood. In 2024, she averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. But even after putting in those numbers, she was unable to find a WNBA contract for the next season.

The reason for Carter not having a consistent stint in the league has always been due to locker-room issues. The Atlanta Dream suspended her in 2021 during her season for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Although with experience, the 27-year-old has come a long way from her early years as a professional. She won a sportsmanship award during her time in China and now shifted to the Aces, a team that has won three titles in four years.

It is quite clear that a team with that record cares about who they sign, and Carter was lucky enough to catch their eye on a training camp contract.

Former Aces player Candace Parker believes that Carter will be a welcome inclusion to the Aces, which primarily consists of veterans.

Candace Parker is All In for Chennedy Carter at the Las Vegas Aces

Like McCoughtry, Candace Parker is also positive about Carter being part of the Aces roster. “I think this is going to be one of the best signings and the Aces got way better because after one year away from the WNBA, Chennedy Carter has signed a training camp deal with the Aces,” Parker said on the April 22 episode of Post Moves, her podcast with Fever star Aliyah Boston.

With Carter not being under any scrutiny surrounding her behavioural issues recently, it won't be long until the Aces eventually promote her to the main team, provided there are no behavioural issues surrounding her.

Then again, a team consisting of coach Becky Hammon and veterans like A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young is possibly the best environment Carter can be to completely change the trajectory of her career.

So, do you think Chennedy Carter will provide a helping hand for the Aces to win back-to-back titles?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy