The Power of Continuity: Why the Aces are Doubling Down on Their Core
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, the temptation to overhaul a roster after a championship is often strong. But, the Las Vegas Aces are taking a different approach, prioritizing stability and chemistry as they chase a remarkable fourth title in five years.
The organization has successfully navigated a wild offseason by retaining its most critical assets. Key players including A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young, and Dana Evans—all of whom were unrestricted free agents—have opted to re-sign with Las Vegas.
By keeping every one of their postseason starters from last year, the Aces have become one of only two 2025 playoff teams to maintain such a high level of continuity. This strategy allows the team to lean into a proven system while avoiding the growing pains typically associated with new core rotations.
Plugging the Gaps: The Strategic Impact of Chennedy Carter
While continuity is the foundation, the Aces recognized a critical vulnerability from their previous campaign: bench depth. Despite their ultimate victory, the team faced a challenging start to the 2025 season, sitting at a .500 record of 14-14 in early August before a stunning 16-game winning streak saved their year.
A primary issue was the struggle to get guards to the basket from the bench. While Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray are elite, and Jewell Loyd provided solid support, the rotation lacked a consistent “downhill” threat. Enter Chennedy Carter.
Solving the “Downhill” Dilemma
The addition of Chennedy Carter is more than just adding another scorer; it is a calculated risk designed to inject aggression into the second unit. During her 2024 season with the Chicago Sky, Carter proved her efficiency, averaging 17.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the floor.
After spending time playing overseas in 2025, Carter returns to the WNBA with a focus on maturity and growth. Head coach Becky Hammon has specifically identified her as the “downhill player” the Aces needed to diversify their offensive attack and reduce the burden on the starting guards.
Balancing Star Power with Veteran Depth
Beyond the headline-grabbing signing of Carter, the Aces have strategically added veteran experience to ensure the roster remains resilient throughout a grueling season.
Stephanie Talbot joins the squad bringing a strong defensive presence and shooting capability. Her recent experience with both New York and Golden State, where she averaged 2.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, provides a steady hand for the bench. The signing of Brianna Turner from the Indiana Fever adds further veteran depth to the frontcourt.
This influx of experience helps offset the loss of three players during the expansion draft and free agency: Aaliyah Nye (selected by the Toronto Tempo), Kiah Stokes (who joined the Golden State Valkyries), and Megan Gustafson (who moved to the Portland Fire).
Navigating the Expansion Era
The loss of Aaliyah Nye was the most significant in terms of minutes, as she averaged 15.3 minutes and 3.8 points per game. However, the Aces’ ability to replace these role players with established veterans like Talbot and Turner suggests a shift toward a more experienced, “win-now” supporting cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Aces sign Chennedy Carter despite previous controversies?
The Aces viewed Carter as a necessary “downhill player” to address bench depth issues. Carter has expressed that her time playing overseas in 2025 allowed her to grow and mature.
Who are the key starters returning to the Aces for 2026?
The team retained its core, including A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd, and Dana Evans.
How did the Aces perform in the first half of the 2025 season?
They struggled early, holding a 14-14 record in early August before recovering with a 16-game winning streak to end the regular season.
What do you think about the Aces’ strategy of prioritizing continuity over a total roster refresh? Can Chennedy Carter be the missing piece for a back-to-back title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more WNBA analysis!
