UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Sky were battered, bruised and barely hanging on by Thursday’s regular-season finale against the Sun.
Injuries plagued the team all year and the final injury report read like a lengthy receipt, the sum of which proved far too costly to overcome. Without rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso and leading scorer Chennedy Carter, the Sky were a shell of themselves.
The Sky’s attempt at a sixth consecutive playoff appearance was shut down with their 87-54 loss to the Sun, officially entering them into the WNBA draft lottery. First-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s tenure begins with a 13-27 record.
Because the Wings own the rights to a pick swap with the Sky — a result of the Marina Mabrey trade executed by former Sky coach/general manager James Wade — the No. 2 pick is the best one they could land. Top targets for the Sky could include UConn guard Azzi Fudd, Notre Dame guards Sonia Citron and Oliva Miles and LSU forward Aneesah Morrow.
The Sky’s main priority this offseason, however, will be addressing their perimeter shooting, something general manager Jeff Pagliocca will look to do in free agency. They finished the regular season last in the league in made threes totaling 193 in 40 games.
Rachel Banham showed promise for the Sky, shooting 13-for-28 from behind the arc in their final three games. However, the Sky need a viable option in their starting lineup to help space the floor.
Another question mark that needs answering is whether the Sky will re-sign Chennedy Carter in February.
Carter is a restricted free agent, giving the Sky right of first refusal. This season, many considered her for the league’s Most Improved Player award, except that she hasn’t improved. Carter has always been this skilled. This was just her first complete season in the WNBA since being drafted in 2020.
“[This season] puts me in the right position,” Carter said. “It shows my value, character and how I can fit in any piece on a team. I think I’m in a good position.”
Asked whether returning to the Sky is a priority for her, Carter stuck to a familiar script.
“I would like to be where I’m wanted,” Carter said. “I’m going to continue to say that throughout my whole career.”
The Sky have six players under contract next season after Pagliocca signed Elizabeth Williams to an extension. Reese, Cardoso, Banham, Moriah Jefferson and Lindsay Allen are also signed through the 2025 season. Dana Evans and Michaela Onyenwere are also restricted free agents along with Carter.
Pagliocca will have just over $800,000 in cap space to work with, assuming Williams’ new contract has a similar value as her previous.