Just a few games into the 2026 WNBA season, the Las Vegas Aces are already dealing with internal drama. The defending champs have a chemistry question mark that could define their campaign: Are A'ja Wilson and Chennedy Carter on the same page?
It started Thursday night after the Aces fell to the Dallas Wings. Carter took to social media to vent about her role, and she didn't stop there. She also took a shot at rookie Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.
“I made her ankle touch the ground,” Carter wrote on Threads. “But y’all can hollar at me when my leash is off, too. It’s completely unfair, even though statistically, it’s not even close.”
The comments didn't sit well with fans. Many accused Carter of poor sportsmanship, while others tried to reason with her. One fan wrote, “That’s great sportsmanship. However, you need to make that who you are. Going on a rant about a rookie w/ a huge brand who literally smiles and hugs her opponents and has never talked trash... doesn’t help showcase this side of who you are. You’re incredibly gifted… stay out of your own way!”
Here's where it gets interesting. WNBA fans noticed that Aces star A’ja Wilson liked that very comment — the one criticizing Carter.
Wilson, a three-time champion and four-time MVP, is the heart and soul of the Aces. Her subtle endorsement of a fan's critique suggests she may not be thrilled with Carter's recent behavior. This isn't just a minor spat; it's a potential fracture between the team's best player and a key scorer.
Carter has been putting up impressive numbers, averaging 19.1 points per game this season. But stats alone don't build a winning culture. The Aces have thrived on unity and discipline, and Carter's outburst — and Wilson's reaction — could disrupt that foundation.
This isn't the first time Carter has stirred controversy with her social media activity. The situation echoes previous incidents where fans have called out her behavior. For a team with championship aspirations, every distraction matters.
The Aces face the Valkyries on Sunday, and all eyes will be on the Wilson-Carter dynamic. Can they coexist on the court? Or will this rift deepen? Given Wilson's stature, if a choice must be made, the franchise will undoubtedly side with its four-time MVP.
For now, the Aces need to find a way to channel this tension into performance. But if the locker room isn't united, even the most talented roster can crumble.
