The basketball world is buzzing over the latest achievement of Chennedy Carter, the dynamic guard who just won the scoring title in China while continuing to be overlooked by the WNBA. Carter’s rise to prominence overseas has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, wondering why this incredibly talented player is being ignored by the WNBA after everything she’s shown in her career.

Carter, known for her explosive scoring ability, quick first step, and relentless attacking style, has turned heads for years—yet despite her obvious talent, her return to the WNBA has been anything but guaranteed. Instead, she’s been forced to find her place in China’s women’s basketball league, where she’s proven, once again, that she’s one of the best guards in the world.

Let’s dive into Chennedy Carter’s rise in China, the lack of WNBA opportunities, and what this means for the future of both the player and the league.

Chennedy Carter’s Scoring Dominance in China

Carter’s time in China has been nothing short of spectacular. Playing for the Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Women’s Basketball Association (CWBA), she quickly made her mark. Throughout the season, she dazzled fans with her fearless attacking, sharp shooting, and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Her game is fast, explosive, and difficult to contain—qualities that made her a standout at the University of Texas A&M and in her WNBA stint with the Atlanta Dream.

But what truly makes Carter’s achievement so impressive is the way she consistently put up big numbers, leading her team and becoming the leading scorer in the league. She finished the season averaging over 30 points per game, an extraordinary feat in any league, but especially in China, where the competition is fierce and the expectations for import players are incredibly high.

Her play in China has earned her recognition not only as one of the best in the CWBA but also as one of the top scorers in the world. And while the Chinese fans have embraced her, many in the U.S. are left wondering why Carter hasn’t been able to find a permanent spot in the WNBA, where her talents could have helped elevate a number of teams.

The WNBA’s Ongoing Snub

It’s difficult to ignore the elephant in the room: why hasn’t the WNBA brought Carter back into the fold? Carter’s time in the WNBA wasn’t without drama, but her talent was undeniable. She was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2020 and quickly became one of the league’s most exciting players. In her rookie season, she averaged over 17 points per game while displaying an array of impressive offensive moves and a scoring mentality that was rare for a first-year player.

However, Carter’s relationship with the Atlanta Dream took a turn in 2021. She was suspended by the team for a violation of team rules, which led to her being cut from the roster. After being released by the Dream, she was never re-signed by another WNBA team, despite being one of the most talented young guards in the league.

Since then, Carter has had to continue her career overseas, where her incredible scoring ability has continued to shine. But despite her overseas success, the WNBA has largely ignored her, leaving many wondering whether personal issues or team dynamics played a larger role in her exile from the league.

Some speculate that her outspoken personality and her tendency to challenge authority might have rubbed certain organizations the wrong way. There’s also the question of whether her perceived attitude—which is often mischaracterized as being difficult—has led to her being sidelined in favor of players who may not have her scoring potential but who are considered easier to manage off the court.

Is This a Missed Opportunity for the WNBA?

There’s no question that the WNBA is a league filled with incredible talent, but the fact that Chennedy Carter, one of the most electric guards in the world, is being ignored while playing abroad has raised eyebrows. The WNBA prides itself on being the premier women’s basketball league, yet it seems to be overlooking players like Carter who have the potential to not only put on a show but also to help grow the sport in the U.S. and internationally.

Carter’s 30-point per game performances in China have made headlines, but even more so, it highlights how the WNBA is failing to tap into the full range of talent available. Players like Chennedy Carter, who can electrify fans with their scoring prowess, can help to take the league to the next level. Yet, by leaving her out of the picture, the WNBA risks missing out on one of the most exciting young talents in the game.

Why Is the WNBA Ignoring Her?

The reasons behind Carter’s continued absence from the WNBA are unclear, but there are several factors at play. First, the WNBA has always been a league with rigid team dynamics—coaches and general managers tend to gravitate toward players who fit into their system and contribute to a team-first mentality. While Carter’s talent is undeniable, her individualistic style of play may not always align with what certain teams are looking for.

Secondly, the WNBA’s salary cap and roster restrictions mean that every player has to justify their spot on the roster in a very competitive environment. Team chemistry is often a priority, and while Carter’s offensive game is one of the best, there may be concerns about whether she can fit in with certain team cultures. The question of her maturity and work ethic may also be factors that weigh heavily in the decision-making process for WNBA franchises.

Finally, there’s the possibility that the WNBA has simply overlooked her while focusing on other emerging stars, or perhaps there’s been a lack of communication between her and league executives.

Chennedy Carter’s Future: Will She Return to the WNBA?

For now, Chennedy Carter remains one of the most underrated and overlooked players in women’s basketball. Her success in China only raises the question: will the WNBA ever recognize her potential and bring her back into the fold? Fans are starting to ask whether her time in the Chinese league could be the launchpad for a bigger comeback to the WNBA, or if she’ll continue to thrive overseas, where her explosive game is celebrated.

The future remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Chennedy Carter has proven herself as one of the best scoring guards in the world, and if the WNBA is smart, they won’t let her incredible talent slip through their fingers for much longer.

Until then, Carter will continue to dominate in China, leaving a trail of jaw-dropping performances in her wake, while the WNBA will have to reckon with the fact that they’ve ignored one of the game’s brightest stars.