rewrite this content and keep HTML tags (remove this from content : rewrite this content and keep HTML tags)
Despite missing the playoffs, the Chicago Sky were one of the most exciting teams to watch in the WNBA last season. They were competitive in almost every game and had some of the strongest individual talent in the league.
Rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso both grew into strong roles in their first seasons, focusing mainly on rebounding and inside scoring. However, the team’s leading scorer and most dynamic player was shooting guard Chennedy Carter.
Advertisement
Carter averaged an impressive 17.5 points per contest last year, which ranked 13th in the WNBA. However, she became more prominent because of her on-court feud with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and former Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7).Jacob Musselman/ For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
While this certainly pushed her into the public eye, it caused her to receive plenty of backlash from fans and others around the league as well. In fact, this offseason, the Sky did not re-sign Carter, and no other team took a flyer on the 26-year-old player.
Advertisement
ESPN recently did a preview for the WNBA season, and they brought up each team’s biggest concern. For the Sky, the issue revolved around scoring the basketball, as they let go of their leading scorer from last year.
“Biggest concern: The Sky had the second-lowest scoring average (77.4 PPG) last season and opted not to bring back leading scorer Chennedy Carter (17.5 PPG),” ESPN wrote. “The guard has shown strong scoring skills in her four WNBA seasons, but the Sky are the third team to move on from her for what’s perceived to be team chemistry issues.”
Carter was certainly an asset for the Sky when she had the ball in her hands, but Chicago likely did not want to deal with her extracurriculars.
Advertisement
Plus, general manager Jeff Pagliocca added a slew of veterans this offseason in Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins. He also drafted Hailey Van Lith in the first round, who could be a key bench piece in her rookie season.
The ship has not sailed on a potential return, however, as Carter still has not signed with another WNBA team. Unfortunately, the Sky open up the season soon on May 17, and they’ll take on Caitlin Clark without Charter in uniform.
Related: Hailey Van Lith Praised Before Game Against Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Related: Indiana Fever Coach Sends Strong Angel Reese Message
