The Chicago Sky fired first-year head coach Teresa Weatherspoon in a shocking decision. Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the news Thursday night, and the organization confirmed it on Friday.
Angel Reese posted pictures of herself and Weatherspoon on her Instagram story and posted a lengthy tweet on X (Twitter).
I’m heartbroken. I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person that believed in me. The one that trusted me. Many don’t even know what it’s like to be a black women in sports when nobody believes in…
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 27, 2024
The Sky hired Weatherspoon less than a year ago after she spent four years with the New Orleans Pelicans as an assistant coach. The former WNBA star took over a rebuilding Chicago squad, and was given a way-too-short leash. Rookies Reese and Kamilla Cardoso bought into Weatherspoon's leadership. We can't forget about the impact she had on Chennedy Carter.
The 25-year-old guard took the 2023 WNBA season off to better herself. The Sky signed Carter to a training camp contract, and she later signed a one-year deal worth $76,535. She exploded back onto the scene.
Carter averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 48.7% from the field. She started 20 of the 33 games she played. Carter transformed into one of the best guards in the league. She was in the Most Improved Player conversation, an award that went to DiJonai Carrington.
Who was a big part of Carter's resurgence? Weatherspoon.
Sky's Chennedy Carter will be a restricted free agent this offseason
Carter said in her exit interview that she wanted to return to Chicago (subscription required), but that was before the Weatherspoon firing.
“My main goal is always just to be somewhere I’m wanted,” Carter said. “I love being here. I enjoyed the season. It was fun. It was special. If Chicago wants me back, I’m interested in coming back.”
The Sky can match offers that Carter will receive in free agency. GM Jeff Pagliocca (who was hired after Weatherspoon) said Chicago will "keep an eye on" Carter and "engage when it's time." Teams can start talking to free agents on Jan. 21.
Carter didn't write a lengthy message about Weatherspoon's firing like Reese did, but she did tweet about it.
i’m forever thankful for spoon 🙏🏻🏁
— H O L L Y W O O D 🛬 (@ChennedyCarter) September 27, 2024
Look at the top reply to Carter's tweet.
This says it all pic.twitter.com/vGPnigH94e
— tvcomicbookshows (@ron_keith) September 27, 2024
Chicago firing Weatherspoon has several ripple effects. There might not be another player more impacted by the decision than Carter, including Reese. Weatherspoon is the head coach who welcomed Carter back to the league and built trust with her. That kind of relationship is so important, especially at the professional level.
Carter isn't an unrestricted free agent, so she's not solely in charge of staying with the Sky or signing with a new team. However, it wouldn't be surprising if she no longer wanted to be in Chicago because of the front office's mismanagement. The front office could mishandle Carter's free agency, too.
Hopefully, Carter will continue to thrive, whether that's with the Sky or another team.