Every coaching vacancy in the WNBA offers opportunities and presents challenges.
Some might argue none more than in Chicago because of the circumstances that preceded the Sky’s vacancy. The Sky are the only franchise introducing their fourth head coach in two years after former coach/general manager James Wade’s midseason resignation last year, which gave way to interim coach Emre Vatansever, who was not retained to make room for Teresa Weatherspoon.
After 11 months, Weatherspoon was fired. The instability in Chicago created an undesirable quality in the job opening. However, the young talent, draft stock, and ability to influence the direction of the franchise offer intrigue.
Tyler Marsh — whom the Sky hired on Saturday — will have his hands full from the jump. Up first on Marsh’s to-do list will be tackling the expansion draft on Dec. 6 with general manager Jeff Pagliocca.
The Sky’s new tandem have been in daily discussions. While the coach and general manager roles are separate, early signs point to Marsh and Pagliocca having a very collaborative relationship. Expansion draft rules allow teams to protect six players on their roster regardless of free agency status.
Four of the six players the Sky will likely protect are no-brainers. Elizabeth Williams, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, and Lindsay Allen are all locks to protect. The remaining two will depend largely on the direction Marsh and Pagliocca want to take the Sky. They could end up protecting a player like Isabelle Harrison; however, the forward is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the new year. Protecting players like Harrison means teams still run the risk of losing them in free agency.
The Sky could also negotiate with the Valkyries to execute some kind of trade via the expansion draft. Protected player lists are due by Nov. 26. Between that date and Dec. 5, the Valkyries will be able to execute trades with existing teams. Anything from an agreement to select a player just to trade them to another team to an agreement not to select a certain player is on the table.
Another item on the list of to-dos will be creating a development plan for his young stars and an overall idea of how he wants to utilize them in 2025.
Cardoso has already proven she can be the league’s most dominant big one day. With Marsh’s influence, she could also develop into one of the best passing bigs. In her rookie season, Cardoso demonstrated her ability to pass out of the post. She rarely thinks about putting the ball on the floor first. Expect Marsh to develop that skill set.
Regarding Reese, expect to see her face-up game develop. During her rookie season, efficiency was one of Reese’s biggest struggles. However, when Reese faced up with her opponent before attacking the rim, the outcome was more favorable in many instances. Sealing defenders in the post and the footwork required to finish or get to the free-throw line will be another priority, along with developing her ability to make plays with the ball in transition.
Lastly, Marsh’s championship experience will help him tackle one of the most critical tasks: influencing ownership.
Marsh comes from the top organization in the WNBA regarding investment and player experience in the Aces. Before that, he spent years in the NBA, including a stint with the Raptors during their championship season in 2019. The Sky needed a coach who could come in and set lofty expectations for how the franchise should operate. Like Wade, who arrived in Chicago in 2018 fresh off of a WNBA championship with the Lynx, Marsh could be that guy.
