Chennedy Carter, born on November 14, 1998, is a dynamic and undeniably talented basketball player who has navigated a professional career marked by both brilliance on the court and significant off-court controversies. Known for her explosive scoring ability and captivating handles, Carter quickly made a name for herself in the WNBA after being drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Dream in 2020. However, her journey has been far from smooth, punctuated by suspensions, waivings, and a recent move to play professionally in Mexico. This article delves into Carter’s career, exploring her skills, achievements, the controversies that have shadowed her, and what the future might hold for this compelling athlete.
Early Promise: College Stardom at Texas A&M
Before entering the professional ranks, Chennedy Carter was a standout player at Texas A&M University. A three-time All-American and three-time First Team All-SEC selection, Carter left an indelible mark on the Aggies’ basketball program. Her scoring prowess was evident as she set Texas A&M’s single-game scoring record with 46 points and became the first player in program history to be named to the All-SEC First Team in her first three seasons.
Carter’s college career was filled with accolades, including being the unanimous National Freshman of the Year in 2017-18 and leading the NCAA Tournament in scoring average in back-to-back seasons, a feat matched only by Elena Delle Donne. In her three seasons at Texas A&M, she averaged an impressive 22.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, showcasing her all-around offensive capabilities.
Bursting onto the WNBA Scene: The Atlanta Dream (2020-2021)
The Atlanta Dream selected Chennedy Carter with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, and she immediately lived up to the hype. In her rookie season, Carter averaged 17.4 points per game, ranking eighth in the league and leading all rookies. She became the youngest player in WNBA history to score 30 points, dropping 35 against the Seattle Storm. Her stellar performance earned her a spot on the 2020 WNBA All-Rookie Team and placed her as a top contender for Rookie of the Year.
However, her time with the Dream was also marked by the first signs of off-court issues. In July 2021, the Dream suspended Carter indefinitely for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Reports indicated that the suspension stemmed from an incident where Carter reportedly wanted to fight a teammate who had asked her to improve her attitude during a game. This suspension effectively ended her 2021 season after just 11 games.
A Brief Stint in Los Angeles: The Sparks (2022)
Following her suspension from the Dream, Carter was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks for the 2022 season. This move was seen as a fresh start for the talented guard. However, her time in Los Angeles was also short-lived and marked by inconsistency. In 24 games with the Sparks, where she started only twice, Carter’s playing time and production decreased, averaging 8.9 points in just 16.4 minutes per game.
Reports from that time suggested that Carter was benched for “poor conduct” during the season. After a mid-season coaching change, the interim coach Fred Williams did not play Carter in several games due to a “coach’s decision.” In March 2023, the Sparks waived Carter, bringing her time in Los Angeles to an abrupt end.
Overseas and Back: Chicago Sky (2024)
After being waived by the Sparks and not playing in the WNBA in 2023, Carter took her talents overseas, playing in Turkey. Her performance abroad seemingly opened another door in the WNBA, as the Chicago Sky signed her for the 2024 season under new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon.
In Chicago, Carter showcased her scoring prowess once again. Playing in 33 games and starting 20, she averaged a career-high 17.5 points per game, leading the Sky in scoring. She also contributed 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, demonstrating her continued ability to impact the game offensively. Her field goal percentage of 48.7% was also a career best. Despite her strong individual performance, the Sky chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Carter in January 2025, making her an unrestricted free agent once again.
The Caitlin Clark Controversy and WNBA Future
The 2024 season was also marked by a highly publicized and controversial incident involving rookie sensation Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. During a June 1 game, Carter committed a flagrant foul against Clark, shoulder-checking her from behind while Clark was awaiting an inbound pass. The foul was initially called an away-from-the-ball foul but was later upgraded to a flagrant 1.
The incident sparked widespread debate and criticism, especially after Carter refused to answer questions about Clark in the post-game press conference and later downplayed the incident on social media, questioning what Clark brought to the table besides three-point shooting.
This controversy has significantly impacted Carter’s WNBA standing. As the 2025 season approached, she remained unsigned by any team. Many speculate that the combination of her past conduct issues and the high-profile nature of the Clark incident has made teams hesitant to sign her.
Moving to Mexico: Adelitas De Chihuahua (2025)
With her WNBA future uncertain, Chennedy Carter signed with Adelitas De Chihuahua in Mexico’s Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional Femenil (LNBPF) in April 2025. This move provides her with an opportunity to continue playing professionally and stay active while potentially seeking a return to the WNBA in the future.
This is not Carter’s first experience playing internationally, having previously played in leagues in Turkey, Poland, and China. Most recently, she played in China for Wuhan Shengfan, where she averaged an impressive 31.4 points per game and was named the league’s MVP, demonstrating her ability to excel in different basketball environments.
Her notable WNBA achievements include:
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2020)
Youngest player in WNBA history to score 30+ points (35 vs. Seattle, 2020)
Atlanta Dream franchise record for most points by a rookie in a game (35)
In her college career at Texas A&M:
2x NCAA All-Region
AP All-American
WBCA All-American
3x All-SEC First Team
2018 All-SEC Tournament Team
SEC All-Freshman Team
2017-18 SEC Freshman of the Year
Her international success includes being named the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association’s league MVP in the 2024-2025 season while leading the league in scoring with 31.4 points per game.
The Future of Chennedy Carter
Chennedy Carter’s basketball journey has been a rollercoaster of exceptional talent and significant controversies. Her move to Mexico represents a new chapter, offering her a platform to continue playing at a high level and potentially rehabilitate her image. Her scoring ability is undeniable, and if she can demonstrate maturity and address the behavioral concerns that have plagued her WNBA career, a return to the league is not entirely out of the question.
However, the WNBA landscape is competitive, and teams prioritize not only talent but also team chemistry and conduct. Carter will need to show sustained positive behavior both on and off the court to convince a WNBA team to give her another chance.
For now, fans will be watching her progress in Mexico, wondering if this gifted but often troubled player will find her way back to the top level of professional women’s basketball. Her story serves as a potent reminder that talent alone is not always enough, and off-court conduct can have a profound impact on an athlete’s career trajectory.
FAQs
Who is Chennedy Carter?
Chennedy Carter is an American professional basketball player known for her dynamic scoring and fearless play. Born on November 14, 1998, in Fort Worth, Texas, she played college basketball at Texas A&M, where she became a three-time All-American and the school’s all-time leader in 20+ and 30+ point games. She was selected fourth overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream.
What position does Chennedy Carter play?
Carter primarily plays as a point guard but is also effective as a shooting guard. Standing at 5’9″, she combines agility with scoring prowess, making her a versatile backcourt player.
What teams has Chennedy Carter played for?
In the WNBA, Carter has played for the Atlanta Dream (2020–2021), Los Angeles Sparks (2022), and Chicago Sky (2024). She has also played overseas for teams in Turkey and China, including Wuhan Shengfan in the WCBA.
What are Chennedy Carter’s career highlights?
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2020)
Youngest player in WNBA history to score 35 points in a game (2020)
Averaged 17.5 points per game with the Chicago Sky in 2024
Recorded a triple-double in the WCBA with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists (2025)
What happened between Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark?
In June 2024, during a game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, Carter delivered a hard shoulder check to rookie Caitlin Clark, resulting in a Flagrant 1 foul. The incident sparked widespread discussion about on-court conduct and gender-based double standards in professional basketball.
Why did the Chicago Sky not re-sign Chennedy Carter?
Despite a strong 2024 season, the Chicago Sky chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Carter in January 2025, making her an unrestricted free agent. Reports suggest that team dynamics and off-court issues influenced the decision.
What is Chennedy Carter’s current status?
As of April 2025, Carter is a free agent in the WNBA and is playing for Wuhan Shengfan in the WCBA, where she continues to showcase her scoring abilities.
What are Chennedy Carter’s overseas achievements?
In the WCBA, Carter has been a standout performer, leading the league in scoring with an average of 31.4 points per game in the 2024–2025 season. She also recorded a 52-point game in the playoffs, underscoring her offensive prowess.
What is Chennedy Carter’s family background?
Carter is the daughter of Shonda Perkins and Broderick Carter. She has three brothers: Cameron, Chandler, and Chendall. Her cousin, Jia Perkins, is a former WNBA All-Star, and her godfather is former NBA player Jason Terry.
What is Chennedy Carter’s nickname?
Carter is nicknamed “Hollywood,” a moniker reflecting her flashy playing style and confidence on the court.
To conclude
Chennedy Carter’s journey in professional basketball is a testament to her resilience, talent, and determination. From her collegiate dominance at Texas A&M to her impactful performances in the WNBA and overseas, Carter has consistently demonstrated her scoring ability and competitive spirit.
Her career has not been without challenges. Incidents such as the altercation with Caitlin Clark and previous team suspensions have brought scrutiny. However, Carter has shown growth, earning accolades like the “Good Temper Award” in the WCBA, indicating her commitment to personal and professional development.
As a free agent, Carter’s future in the WNBA remains a topic of interest. Her performances in international leagues continue to impress, and many fans and analysts believe she has the potential to make a significant impact upon her return to the league.
Carter’s story is one of talent, tenacity, and transformation. Her ability to overcome obstacles and continue to excel on the court serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. As she navigates the next chapter of her career, the basketball world will undoubtedly be watching, anticipating the continued evolution of “Hollywood” Carter.
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