Back in October 2023, Jeff Pagliocca was named the GM of the Chicago Sky. Coming in just two years after their 2021 WNBA championship, the future looked bright. Since then, more than one of Pagliocca's questionable decisions have left fans frustrated and confused.
The 2024 Offseason Collapse
The 2024 offseason was a tough one for not only Chicago Sky fans but players as well. Less than a year after being named head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon was fired after only one season at the helm. Numerous players, specifically Angel Reese, made it known that they were not supportive of the decision to fire Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon's departure followed the Chicago Sky not making the playoffs for the first time since 2018 with a 13-27 record. When Pagliocca was questioned on the reasoning for Weatherspoon's departure, he stated that the organization felt that it was "time to make a change." Tyler Marsh was soon hired as head coach in November 2024.
Another move that left Chicago fans beyond baffled was the front office's decision not to extend Chennedy Carter a qualifying offer as a free agent following the 2024 season. Fans have been speculating that there is more to the story due to Carter's undeniable impact on the court as the Sky's leading scorer.
Carter was coming off of her career best season averaging 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. There have been rumors that Carter was a locker room issue but those have never been confirmed. When Pagliocca was asked for the reasoning, he simply stated that she was no longer a fit after the coaching change. Despite her career best season, she was not offered to return by the Chicago Sky or picked up by any other team in the WNBA. Carter has since gone on to play overseas in China and Mexico.
Another decision that left fans shocked was when the Chicago Sky announced that they traded their 3rd overall pick in the WNBA draft to the Washington Mystics in return for Ariel Atkins. Atkins is a former all-star but was only signed on a one year deal. The 3rd overall pick of the draft would end up being Sonia Citron, who has been having an incredible rookie season averaging 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Atkins on the other hand, has been battling injury throughout the 2025 season.
The combination of the firing Theresa Weatherspoon, not re-signing Chennedy Carter, and trading away their 3rd overall pick in the 2025 draft has been proven to be a season altering, if not ending, decision for the Chicago Sky.
One good out of the 2024 offseason was the Sky bringing back two-time champion Courtney Vandersloot. This was short lived as Vandersloot has been out since June 7 after sustaining a season-ending ACL injury. On top of this, Angel Reese has been putting up remarkable numbers all season but has simultaneously been battling injury that has left her sidelined as of late.
At this point in time, the Sky are 8-21 after snapping their 8-game losing streak with a 78-64 win over the Washington Mystics on August 5. This was also Atkins' first game back since July 14 and she tallied up 15 points with 5 assists. Despite the win, there is not much playoff hope for Chicago. Chicago has only won 2 games without Angel Reese over the course of her two year career. With no timeline for her return, things are not looking too good for Chicago.
It certainly seems the front office had a set plan of implementing veteran players and rebuilding that way rather than focusing on development. With all of the young talent already in and soon entering the league, this was an interesting approach that didn't quite pan out. It really seems that the Sky's season was over before it even started.