Platitudes are part of every press conference.
The key is deciphering what has genuine value. Tuesday, when the Sky formally introduced Tyler Marsh as their eighth coach in franchise history, he said all the right things. Marsh talked about ensuring the Sky are a “trend-setting” franchise while Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca affirmed to fans, “I heard you. I felt you. We delivered.”
It was, by all measures, a screaming success. But then again, so was last year’s introduction of Teresa Weatherspoon, proving it’s less about what’s said and more about what can be done.
Marsh has a clear plan and a résumé supporting its execution. His first task after the WNBA draft lottery on Sunday will be developing a new offensive identity.
The Sky were last in the league in 2024 in three-point attempts and makes, 11th in field goal percentage and offensive rating. The team’s roster makeup was a factor, with only one consistent three-point threat in Marina Mabrey. Their three-point struggles were exacerbated when she forced a trade to the Sun in July. The main hindrance to the Sky’s success was their style of play. Rather, it was the absence of any offensive direction under Weatherspoon.
More often than not the Sky’s strategy, or lack of, resulted in breakdowns that led to guard Chennedy Carter being forced to create out of 1-v-1 scenarios. Reese’s dominance on the boards was also a cover-up for the absent offensive schematics.
Marsh has rightfully been credited for developing Jackie Young’s game, specifically her three-point shooting. Aces coach Becky Hammon said the best way to summarize Marsh’s influence is by looking at the entire team’s shot chart.
“He’s had a lot of direct impact on [shooting,]” Hammon told the Sun-Times. “He spent a lot of time with all of [our players.] He’s been a great sounding board for them. It can be chaotic during a season, and he’s been a really calming, strong voice for everyone. He’s that steadying factor. That shock absorber on cars.”
On Tuesday, Marsh emphasized his affinity for a high-powered offense by acknowledging his defensive-minded father, long-time men’s basketball coach Donnie Marsh.
“We argue about this all the time,” Tyler said. “Those days of 50 and 60 point games that he’s used to are over with. We want to score, and we want to score a lot.”
Marsh’s plans to emphasize three-point shooting will need to be supported by offseason moves made by Pagliocca. The Sky will look to add perimeter scoring to help space the floor with players in the draft and through free agency. Another avenue Pagliocca could utilize is the expansion draft.
The Valkyries will be able to select one player from each franchise’s list of unprotected players. They could also execute trades by agreeing to select a player from a team’s unprotected list to trade them immediately.
Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso’s development offers the Sky the greatest payout in the long term. Adding the right pieces to surround them will be critical to that development, specifically on the offensive end.
Reese converted three of her 15 three-point attempts during her rookie campaign but has been committed to expanding her shot profile. Maximizing Reese’s efficiency as a rebounder by improving her shot and making her a multidimensional threat will be key to the Sky’s success in 2025.
Unlocking Cardoso’s potential to be one of the WNBA’s most dominant bigs will lie in her ability to facilitate out of the post.
“Offensively, we want to be a balanced team,” Marsh said. “One that’s able to run the score up when we need to and play a fast-paced style. But when it’s time to get down and dirty, win one in the trenches, we’re able to grind those games out as well. We have great mobile and agile defensive bigs with Angel, Kamilla and Elizabeth Williams. So, we’ll be dependent on them to protect the paint and set the tone defensively.”