It’s safe to say that Angel Reese is still “heartbroken” over the sudden and stunning dismissal of Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Still, all signs point to the Rookie of the Year runner-up continuing her career in the Windy City regardless.
As the WNBA’s focus shifts to an awesome Finals matchup between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, the Sky broke ground Wednesday on their $38 million practice facility in Bedford Park.
Veteran center Elizabeth Williams and owner Nadia Rawlinson were among the franchise stalwarts putting ceremonial shovels in the dirt. Where was Reese? Conspicuously absent, only fueling angst among Sky fans that her relationship with the team had fractured.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca later tried to alleviate that concern while speaking with reporters, insisting the team’s “relationship with Angel is in a good spot,” per Matt Zahn of CBS Chicago.
Chicago abruptly dismissed Weatherspoon on Sep. 26, barely one week after the Sky finished her debut campaign with a 13-27 record, missing the playoffs.
Clearly taken aback by the news, Reese posted an emotional message about Weatherspoon on social media.
Chicago has yet to hire a replacement for Weatherspoon, a WNBA legend who played in five All-Star Games and won a pair of Defensive Player of the Year awards with the Liberty during her playing career.
She was an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans for three seasons before being hired as head coach of the Sky last fall.
Chicago, one of the youngest teams in the WNBA, was on track to make the playoffs under Weatherspoon before Reese broke her wrist in a Sep. 6 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sky won the following game against the Dallas Wings but finished the season losing five straight remaining games, falling out of postseason contention as an injured Reese watched from the bench.
Expect Reese to make a full recovery before next season, teaming with fellow rising sophomore Kamilla Cardoso to give Chicago one of the most intriguing frontcourt tandems in the WNBA.
Still, the Sky have many questions to answer over the offseason before 2025 tips off. For now, at least, fans can rest easy knowing that Reese remains committed to Chicago despite her beloved former coach’s exit.
