Connecticut Sun sign Essence Carson

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Uncasville, Connecticut/USA – Aug. 19, 2018: Los Angeles Sparks forward Essence Carson (17) during a WNBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Connecticut Sun defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 89-86. Photo Credit: Chris Poss

On Aug. 17 the Connecticut Sun announced the team had been awarded Essence Carson via waiver claim and that Jacki Gemelos had subsequently been waived. 

Carson, who is in her 12th WNBA season, was recently waived by the Washington Mystics, averaged 4.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game. 

She will provide another veteran leader for the Sun, who have relied on veterans Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and most recently Briann January who recently joined the team after having COVID-19. 

Myisha Hines-Allen spoke highly of her former teammate saying, “Every year for me personally, I’ve had a vet that’s been in the league for a long time you know, knows the ropes and, you know, just knows the game of basketball.

It’s so crazy like she knows the game like so well I can definitely see her being a coach in the future, you know when she’s done playing basketball because you could just tell like she knows the game knows where, you know, people should be and this and that, but you know definitely gonna miss her.”

This season aside, Carson has shot well both from the floor and at times from behind the arc. If she can find her stride the Sun could use her help shooting. 

Carson will likely be relied on to play 5-10 good minutes a game, providing defense and spacing and support the starters when they need a break. 

The Sun are one of the handful teams with 12 healthy players, something that may limit Carson’s appearances, but as it becomes necessary to give starters rest her presence will be critical for the team as it makes its final push towards the playoffs. 

The Sun return to the court Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. EST against the Indiana Fever.