Despite the recent upturn in form for the Chicago Sky, the franchise still faces numerous issues that must be addressed if its playoff ambitions are to become a reality. The Sky have chalked up two wins in their last three games, with both wins coming against a struggling Los Angeles Sparks team.
However, with a devastating ACL injury prematurely ending Courtney Vandersloot's campaign on June 7, Chicago's lack of depth at the guard position has become a grave concern for rookie head coach Tyler Marsh. Even though the sensational sophomore Angel Reese has thrived in her new role as the team's creative force, recording 19 assists in her last four games, the Sky are still in desperate need of a guard who can consistently make a winning contribution on offense.
In a less-than-surprising turn of events, one former star has utilized her free time to remind her previous employers of exactly what they are missing out on after not re-signing her to a new contract.
Chennedy Carter with a post via IG. 🥺✨ pic.twitter.com/spNS6vMI3f
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) July 6, 2025
Chennedy Carter's scoring is exactly what Chicago is lacking
With one Instagram post, Carter highlighted the exact attribute that the 'Windy City' franchise is yearning for to ignite its season: scoring. In this particular memory, the 26-year-old combined with Reese to record an incredible 60 points in an 88-84 victory over the Seattle Storm.
This was far from an anomaly during Carter's tenure with the Sky, with the scoring sensation averaging 17.5 points per game in 2024 and scoring a season-high 34 points in a 93-85 triumph over the Las Vegas Aces.
Unfortunately for the Chicago fan base, the star has not returned for the 2025 WNBA season, despite being awarded the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) Most Valuable Player accolade. The Texas A&M graduate is now showcasing her talents for the Mexican team, Adelitas de Chihuahua, in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP).
Washington Mystics star was viewed as the ideal replacement
The offseason acquisition of Ariel Atkins from the Washington Mystics, in exchange for Chicago's 2025 No. 3 draft pick, was perceived as the solution that would ease the scoring void created amid Carter's abrupt exit. Even though the two-time All-Star currently leads the Sky in scoring, averaging 14.6 points per game, it has not been enough to rectify her team's offensive issues.
Chicago languishes in twelfth position in the regular-season standings, with just five wins in 16 games. Not only this, but they have only recorded 78.8 points per game, which is the second-worst record in the WNBA.
Tyler Marsh appears to be unwilling to hand a starting role to TCU graduate Hailey Van Lith due to the rookie's inconsistent performances when she has been presented with minutes on the court. The argument could be made that without sufficient exposure to the pressures of being a starter, Van Lith will not have the opportunity to accelerate her development, especially given the guard issues that plague the franchise.
Nevertheless, Chennedy Carter has shown no inclination that she wishes to return to Chicago, nor has Chicago expressed any interest in offering the 26-year-old an avenue back to the WNBA. No one can deny that this is exactly the caliber of player that the Sky require to achieve their playoff ambitions.