Sport

Shocking Shake-Up: Chicago Sky Dumps Coach Teresa Weatherspoon After Just One Season, But Star Player Angel Reese is Outraged!

2024-09-27

Author: Ying

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA, the Chicago Sky have fired head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after merely one season at the helm. According to reports from Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, this decision marks a significant shift for the franchise, which is now left searching for its fourth head coach in just three seasons.

Star player Angel Reese, who played a pivotal role in the Sky's lineup this past year, took to social media platform X to voice her displeasure. In a heartfelt post, she supported Weatherspoon, stating that the former head coach 'didn’t deserve this' and that her leadership was crucial for the team amidst its rebuilding phase.

Weatherspoon, a Hall of Fame player celebrated for her achievements on the court, was brought on board just under a year ago on October 10, 2023. Prior to her role with the Sky, she served as an assistant coach with the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans. Despite player support during the season, reports indicated a disconnect during exit interviews, where players expressed concerns about the team’s evolving playing style and highlighted the challenges of working under a first-year head coach.

The Chicago Sky entered a rebuilding phase last offseason, hoping to regroup after a disappointing first-round playoff exit and the dismissal of previous coach James Wade. The franchise, which captured the WNBA Championship in 2021, aimed to manage its roster around star Kahleah Copper. However, Copper’s request for a trade after the team failed to secure key free-agent signings like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike raised questions about leadership and vision within the organization. The Sky ultimately traded Copper to the Phoenix Mercury and let other veteran players walk, including All-Star Courtney Williams, effectively committing to a youth-focused rebuild.

With veterans out of the picture, the focus turned to emerging talents, particularly Reese—who led the league with a groundbreaking 13.1 rebounds per game and the impressive No. 3 overall pick Kamilla Cardoso. Although the Sky struggled to secure a playoff spot with a dismal 13-27 record, Reese found herself emerging as one of the franchise's new faces, proving to be a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.

As the Chicago Sky embarks on the search for a new head coach, fans and players alike are left wondering what the future holds. Will they find the right leader to guide the next chapter of the franchise? Or will this be another step into uncertainty? One thing is for sure: the WNBA landscape is shifting, and all eyes will be on the Sky in the coming months!