A significant leg injury to a key rotation player has jolted the Las Vegas Aces’ title defense ambitions before the pre-season has even begun.
Las Vegas has lost two-time WNBA Champion Dana Evans indefinitely because of a leg injury as she enters the rehabilitation phase. The 27-year-old renewed her Las Vegas deal only a few days ago, signing a two-year extension with the 2025 WNBA Champions.
Dana Evans was a key part of last year’s Championship-winning roster, playing in every regular-season game for the Aces. While the 27-year-old averaged 6.6 points in 17.7 minutes per game during the regular season, her contribution and minutes increased during the playoff run.
She averaged 10.5 points per game in the Championship series against Phoenix, with her 21 points in Game 1 leading the Aces to a close-fought win that gave the franchise the impetus for the games ahead.
The fans will await more details about her leg injury and her estimated recovery period. But the Aces will enter the pre-season without Evans, at a minimum. She was the primary backup point guard, and her absence will leave a void in the rotation.
Waiving Evans is not an ideal option, as her protected veteran status means her salary is guaranteed and will be part of the salary cap even if the franchise waives her.
The Aces will have to look inward at the options available to cover for Dana now. One simple solution will be to increase the game time for key guards Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young. However, that will only put more pressure on the trio and could end up hurting the Aces in the long run.
One recent signing could prove to be a timely addition to the Las Vegas roster and offer a direct solution to the Dana Evans injury problem.
Dana Evans’ injury could lead to a permanent role for Chennedy Carter
As the Aces look to solve this new crisis arising from Dana Evans’ leg injury, it could be a blessing in disguise for this former Chicago Sky star.
Head coach Becky Hammon could bank on new signing Chennedy Carter to fill the void. The 27-year-old is currently on a training camp contract with the Las Vegas Aces. However, Dana Evans being sidelined could aid Carter’s cause if Hammon doesn’t want to put additional pressure on other key stars.
The 27-year-old is a proven scorer in the WNBA, averaging 14.6 points per game over her four seasons in the league. Her last stint was with the Chicago Sky in the 2024 season, where she averaged 17.5 points per game, shooting just under 50% from the field, and ending the year as the franchise’s leading scorer.
“I think it’s a testament to everything I’ve been through and everything that I’ve done,” Carter said after a July 16 win against Las Vegas. “I’ve been overshadowed a lot in my career. People don’t understand that I’m a consistent player and I’m going to come out there and be a dog night in and night out.”
After the 2024 season ended, Carter accepted an offer from Wuhan Shengfan to play in the Women’s Chinese Basketball League. Now, Carter is back pursuing WNBA glory with the Aces, the most dominant team in the league over the last five years.
With her numbers, Carter can be the new bench scoring option, and will probably become the new backup point guard while Evans is sidelined. The franchise will hope Evans returns this season, at least, with Carter not having prior playoff experience.
