Introduction In a shocking development that has left basketball fans and analysts stunned, WNBA stars Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter find themselves without a team heading into the new season.
Despite their undeniable talent and past accolades, none of the players have been signed by a team, raising questions about what went wrong and what the future holds for these former rising stars.
With social media buzzing and pundits offering varying opinions, the absence of Reese and Carter from the WNBA rosters has become one of the biggest talking points in women’s basketball.
Many expected both players to play important roles in the league this year, but the reality has been far from expectations.
What led to this surprising turn of events, and what could be next for these players?
A Look Back at Their Career Angel Reese rose to national prominence as a standout at LSU, where she played a pivotal role in leading the team to an NCAA Championship.
Her tenacity, rebounding ability and competitive spirit have made her one of the most talked-about players in women’s college basketball.
After declaring for the WNBA draft, she was expected to make an immediate impact in the league.
Likewise, Chennedy Carter was an electrifying guard known for his scoring ability and fearless approach to the game.
As a former top-four pick in the WNBA draft, Carter showed flashes of brilliance early in her professional career.
However, his time in the league was marred by controversy, including reported disagreements with teammates and the coaching staff.
Despite their immense talent, both players now find themselves on the outside looking in, leading many to speculate about the reasons for their current situation.
Why were they left unsigned? Several factors could explain why neither Reese nor Carter found a spot on a WNBA roster this season.
While each case is unique, here are some of the most common theories circulating among analysts and insiders:
- Locker Room Concerns – In professional sports, talent alone does not guarantee success. Team chemistry, attitude, and work ethic play a significant role in determining a player’s long-term viability. Reports have surfaced of Carter’s past disciplinary issues and conflicts with teammates, which may have influenced teams’ decisions to move on. While Reese has not been involved in similar controversies, her outspoken personality and intense competitiveness may not appeal to every franchise.
- Style of Play and Fit – The modern WNBA emphasizes versatility, efficiency, and three-point shooting. Reese’s game relies heavily on scoring and inside rebounding, which, while valuable, may not align with the league’s evolving style of play. Carter, on the other hand, is a high-volume scorer but has yet to show the consistency needed to thrive at the highest level.
- Off-field considerations – Branding and media presence are more important than ever in professional sports. While Reese has built a strong personal brand, some believe media narratives and potential distractions may have played a role in teams hesitating to sign her. Carter’s situation is further complicated by previous team dismissals, which could make front offices wary of giving her another opportunity.
- Limited Roster Spots – Unlike the NBA, which has 30 teams, the WNBA only has 12 teams with limited roster spots. Many talented players go unsigned each year simply due to the lack of available roster spots. This harsh reality means that even accomplished players like Reese and Carter must compete fiercely for opportunities.
What’s next for Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter? While not being signed is undoubtedly a setback, it’s far from the end of the road for these players.
Here are some possible paths forward:
- International Play – Many WNBA players who struggle to find a place in the United States opt to play abroad. Leagues in Europe, China, and Australia offer competitive salaries and high-level competition. Reese and Carter could explore opportunities abroad to hone their skills and prove their worth to WNBA teams.
- G League or Training Camps – While the WNBA doesn’t have a direct development league like the NBA’s G League, players can still participate in training camps and exhibitions to showcase their improvements. Teams often invite unsigned players for workouts throughout the season.
- Reputation Rebuild – If off-field concerns have played a role in their current situation, both players may need to focus on reshaping their public image. Engaging positively with fans, demonstrating leadership, and remaining committed to improvement could help repair relationships with teams and decision-makers.
- Waiting for Midseason Changes – Injuries and roster changes occur throughout the WNBA season. If a team needs a forward like Reese or a scoring guard like Carter, opportunities could arise later in the year.
The wider implications The situation surrounding Reese and Carter highlights the competitive nature of the WNBA and the challenges even top players face.
It also raises questions about whether the league should consider expansion to provide more opportunities for talented athletes.
With growing interest in women’s basketball, discussions about adding more teams have intensified in recent years.
Moreover, this case serves as a reminder that professional success requires more than skills.
Adaptability, professionalism and understanding team dynamics are crucial for longevity in any league.
Conclusion For now, Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter remain without a team, leaving fans to wonder if and when they will return to the WNBA.
Although their futures remain uncertain, both players possess the talent to make a comeback.
The key question is whether they can address the concerns that kept them off the rosters and prove to the basketball world that they deserve another chance.
As the WNBA season progresses, all eyes will be on potential roster moves and whether an opportunity emerges for these former stars.
Until then, Reese and Carter must carefully decide their next moves, knowing their basketball careers are far from over, but the road ahead will require resilience and determination.
