CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky improved to 3-3 with their 83-73 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night. The Sky have received standout efforts from multiple players on the roster early in the 2024 WNBA season. However, one sparkplug guard continues to receive high praise from head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon dropped a big claim on fourth-year guard Chennedy Carter before the Sparks game.
Carter is one of Chicago’s go-to bench scorers. Her lethal slashing ability makes things easier for the Sky offense. In addition, her athleticism and activity in passing lanes help the team score easy transition buckets. Weatherspoon was not shy about highlighting Carter’s outstanding abilities on Thursday.
“She’s probably the most talented player in this league. What she brings off the bench for us is incredible. [A high level of] talent, athleticism, speed, quickness, scoring, but she also will defend for us. But Chennedy is also a willing passer…She brings a lot to this team, and that’s the energy we need coming off the bench,” the head coach claimed in Thursday’s pre-game press conference.
Being named the most talented player in the league is not an honor everyone receives, and while Weatherspoon is supporting her player, her claim holds credence.
Chennedy Carter started her career with the Atlanta Dream in 2020 and was the Rookie of the Year runner-up after averaging 17.4 points per game. The former Texas A&M Aggie spent one more year with the Dream before joining the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022. By then, her scoring decreased to 8.9 points per game. She took a year hiatus from the WNBA and focused on an international stint with Bursa, averaging a whopping 25.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.
Now, Carter is one of Chicago’s biggest bench sparks, averaging 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.7 steals through six games. Weatherspoon’s praise for Carter did not end there. She knows the importance of the fast-twitched guard’s role on the team.
Sky’s Chennedy Carter taking full advantage of the opportunity
Teresa Weatherspoon further spoke on Carter’s energy and how she catalyzes Chicago’s play.
“She’s our energy, a go-through player. She comes in the second unit, is explosive, and electric. She can basically do what she wants to, but she’s playing with the team. A player who can score the ball, but most importantly, a willing passer,” Weatherspoon said.
Weatherspoon revealed that Carter wants to “get down on the other end,” noting how she is willing to guard anyone. Furthermore, Weatherspoon gave Carter credit for her high IQ play.
“[Carter] knows how to play the game. She plays with her teammates. She makes everyone better when she steps on that floor because she opens the floor,” Weatherspoon added.
Chennedy Carter is taking full advantage of her WNBA opportunity after spending a year overseas. As Weatherspoon said, “she wants to let the world know she’s here.”
Never one to back down from a challenge, Carter outlined big goals for herself at the beginning of the 2024 season. She wants to amass two steals per game and aspires to make her first WNBA All-Star team. The 25-year-old can certainly achieve great things. If she continues to help Chicago win games, only positive things will come for her.
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