Chicago Sky fire Teresa Weatherspoon. Umm…now what?
In what can only be described as a baffling move, the Chicago Sky are now in need of a head coach. So who fits?
Well…the WNBA sure likes to keep it interesting, don’t they?
Less than a week after the Los Angeles Sparks parted ways with head coach Curt Miller, the Chicago Sky followed up with a firing of their own. After less than a year at the helm, Teresa Weatherspoon is out as the head coach per Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun Times.
Late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, discussions began circulating within the organization about the possibility of Weatherspoon being dismissed. Into the afternoon, the possibility became a probability and eventually a certainty.
In what was year one of what seemed like a long term build back from the ashes of what James Wade left for the Sky, Spoon’s tenure has been abruptly cut short. It certainly leaves room for questions as everyone tries to make sense of this move. Was there a rift between Weatherspoon and others in the organization that contributed to the decision to move on?
One player that seemed to grow distant from Weatherspoon was Dana Evans, who emphasized, "You’ve got to have someone that’s going to give you some grace.", along with discussing the trust between player and coach.
Also of note, Teresa Weatherspoon was hired prior to general manager Jeff Pagliocca. Technically, she was not his hire.
Now on the other hand, you have Angel Reese, who posted her appreciation for her first WNBA head coach.
Chennedy Carter, a player who had been out the league and seemingly found a home not only in Chicago but more specifically with her relationship with Weatherspoon, retweeted this tweet from Reese.
Regardless of the reason, the choice has been made. Teresa Weatherspoon won’t be on the Sky sideline next season. Now the question is obvious, who will be? Here are some potential names you will see floating around.
Pokey Chatman
Chatman is currently residing in Seattle, working as both an assistant coach and associate general manager, but she is far from unfamiliar with the Sky as she was formerly the head coach of the organization. While there is that past, it is clear this is a new era for Chicago. Chatman feels overdue for another shot at being a head coach in this league and the experience as a head coach for the Sky and Fever in the WNBA along with her experience leading LSU might be enticing for the Chicago front office.
Nikki Blue
Speaking of coaches who feel on deck for another opportunity, enter Nikki Blue. Blue took over the reigns as the interim head coach of the Phoenix Mercury in 2023. In her short time you could see the positive changes taking place from her predecessor. However, when the time came to choose who the next permanent head coach of the Mercury would be, the organization went another direction. It could be to the Sky’s benefit. She is young, she is a former player, she has long term assistant coaching experience, has sat in the lead seat, and could potentially be the one to lead Chicago into this new era.
Carolyn Peck
If you didn’t hear Carolyn Peck’s speech prior for Indiana to the Fever/Sun game two, find it. That should sell you alone. That is before getting into the stacked resume of the hall of famer. She has the championships, she has the experience, there is a past pedigree of development. On ESPN the Los Angeles Sparks job was brought up to Peck and she told them to hit up her agent. The Chicago Sky need to be making that call.
Natalie Nakase
You are going to see Nakase’s name surrounding any job that comes open in the WNBA, for example Andrew’s article regarding the Sparks opening! The top assistant under Becky Hammon in Las Vegas seems primed to lead a franchise with the hopes of creating the next dynasty. Certainly the Sky and Aces play very differently currently, but Nakase is a case of fresh blood to the head coaching role while also having plenty of experience in winning championships. Doesn’t sound too dissimilar to what Becky Hammon was coming into the role in Las Vegas does it? That is certainly what a team hiring her will hope.
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I read on Twitter that management stated she was "difficult to work with".
That is usually code for when a person (especially a woman, and especially a Black woman) speaks their mind and doesn't let you gaslight them. They will point out that the emperor has no clothes. And if you are not making good decisions or have unrealistic expectations, they'll tell you that, too.
Hopefully, Los Angeles and/or Golden State got on the phone. Maybe Seattle and/or Atlanta, too, if they also decide to make coaching changes.
After what happened to TSpoon I really can't see any of these creditable couches signing up with this organization. Certainly leaves a distaste in my way of thinking 🤔