Sky's dismissal of Teresa Weatherspoon could have cost the team one of its best players

The Chicago Sky have fired their first-year head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, in a shocking decision. Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the news Thursday evening, and the organization confirmed it Friday.

Angel Reese posted pictures of herself and Weatherspoon on her Instagram story and posted a long tweet on X (Twitter).

The Sky hired Weatherspoon less than a year ago after she spent four years as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans. The former WNBA star took over the management of a rebuilding Chicago squad and was given far too short a leash. Rookies Reese and Kamilla Cardoso took the lead from Weatherspoon. We must not forget the influence she had on Chennedy Carter.

The 25-year-old guard took the 2023 WNBA season off to improve. The Sky signed Carter to a training camp contract and she later signed a one-year contract worth $76,535. She stormed back onto the scene.

Carter averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. She started in 20 of the 33 games she played. Carter developed into one of the best guards in the league. She participated in the Most Improved Player conversation, an award that went to DiJonai Carrington.

Who was instrumental in Carter's resurgence? Weather spoon.

Carter said in her exit interview that she wanted to return to Chicago (subscription required), but that was before Weatherspoon was fired.

“My main goal is always to be where 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 get involved when the time comes.” Teams can begin talking to free agents on January 21st.

Carter didn't write a detailed message about Weatherspoon's firing like Reese did, but she did tweet about it.

Check out the top reply to Carter's tweet.

Chicago's firing of Weatherspoon has several repercussions. There may be no other 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 in her. Such a relationship is very important, especially at a professional level.

Carter is not an unrestricted free agent, so she is not solely responsible for staying with 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 mismanagement in the front office. The front office could also mishandle Carter's free agency.

Hopefully Carter will continue to be successful, whether with Sky or another team.