Chennedy Carter signs with Chicago Sky for WNBA return.

Standout guard Chennedy Carter is making her return to the WNBA, with the 25-year-old recently signing a training camp contract with the Chicago Sky, as officially announced by the team on Friday. This move marks the beginning of her journey back to the professional league and is seen as a strategic step in the Sky’s efforts to rebuild following their championship win in 2021.

Carter burst onto the WNBA scene in 2020 after being selected as the fourth overall pick by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Draft. Her impressive performance earned her a spot on the All-Rookie team, averaging 17.4 points and 3.4 assists in 16 games. Despite her undeniable talent, Carter faced setbacks due to injuries and off-court issues that hindered her progress.

During her sophomore season with the Dream, Carter’s playing time was limited to just 11 games due to an elbow injury, resulting in a reduced scoring average of 14.2 points per game. Her troubles continued when she was suspended indefinitely by the Dream in July 2021 for conduct deemed detrimental to the team.

Subsequently, Carter was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, where she faced additional challenges, including a knee injury and changes in coaching staff. Her playing time was further affected when she was benched for several games by interim coach Fred Williams. Despite these obstacles, Carter remained determined and continued to showcase her talent, albeit in limited minutes.

After being released by the Sparks, Carter explored opportunities overseas, playing for Bursa in Turkey and later for Heilongjiang in China. Her impressive performances abroad highlighted her scoring prowess, with averages of 24.1 points and 28.9 points per game, respectively.

Joining the Chicago Sky presents a new opportunity for Carter to reignite her WNBA career under the guidance of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, a Hall of Famer known for her ability to develop talent. The Sky have been active in reshaping their roster, making several notable acquisitions in recent weeks, including the signings of Diamond DeShields and Kysre Gondrezick.

Carter and Gondrezick will undergo evaluation during the preseason with the possibility of earning one-year, non-guaranteed contracts with the Sky. These contracts, if secured, will provide Carter with the chance to prove herself once again on the WNBA stage and contribute to the Sky’s aspirations for success in the upcoming season.

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Here are some additional details about Carter’s career and the context surrounding her return:

Previous Stints: Carter entered the WNBA in 2020 as the fourth overall pick by the Atlanta Dream. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries and off-court issues, she showcased her talent and potential during her time with the Dream and later with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Overseas Experience: Following her release from the Sparks, Carter explored opportunities overseas, playing for Bursa in Turkey and later for Heilongjiang in China. Her impressive performances abroad highlighted her scoring prowess and kept her in the spotlight.
New Opportunity with Chicago Sky: Joining the Chicago Sky presents a fresh start for Carter, offering her the chance to reignite her WNBA career under the guidance of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, a Hall of Famer known for her ability to develop talent.
Reshaping the Roster: The Sky have been active in reshaping their roster in preparation for the upcoming season. Alongside Carter, the team has made several notable acquisitions in recent weeks, including the signings of Diamond DeShields and Kysre Gondrezick.
Evaluation and Contract Opportunities: Carter, along with Gondrezick, will undergo evaluation during the preseason with the possibility of earning one-year, non-guaranteed contracts with the Sky. These contracts, if secured, will provide Carter with the chance to prove herself once again on the WNBA stage and contribute to the Sky’s aspirations for success in the upcoming season.