Foot Injury Sidelines the Sky’s Superwoman
Chennedy Carter, aka the spark plug of the Chicago Sky, missed the last two games of the season due to a pesky foot injury. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Already limping through the season without four key players, the Sky’s playoff hopes fizzled faster than a soggy firecracker, as they wrapped things up with a 13-25 record – third worst in the WNBA. Ouch.
Jeff Pagliocca: The ‘Non-Committal’ General Manager
Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca, after just finishing his rookie year in charge, is now facing an offseason full of question marks, exclamation points, and possibly a few ellipses. One of those question marks is Chennedy Carter, a restricted free agent whose future with the team is… well, let’s just say it’s up in the air like one of her silky-smooth jump shots.
In an interview that oozed with diplomatic vagueness, Pagliocca said about Carter:
“She had an incredible season for us. She was very valuable. Obviously, she’s a player that can impact the game at the highest level in this league. She’s a player we’re going to make sure we keep an eye on and engage when it’s time.”
Translation? “We’ll think about it… maybe next Tuesday… if we’re feeling it.” In the world of GM-speak, that’s about as clear as a murky river.
Chennedy Carter: Ready to Suit Up Again
Carter, on the other hand, doesn’t shy away from speaking her mind. In a refreshingly honest interview, she made her stance clear: “My main goal is always just to be somewhere I’m wanted. I love being here. I enjoyed the season. It was fun. It was special. If Chicago wants me back, I’m interested in coming back.”
Translation? “Hey Jeff, call me.” Will the Sky make that call? Or will they let the phone ring and send her to voicemail?
Carter’s Redemption Tour
If you’d asked the LA Sparks back in 2023 about Chennedy Carter, they probably would’ve had some choice words. The Sparks had waived Carter due to “poor conduct” (ouch), leaving her to spend the year unsigned and in professional limbo. But, fast forward to 2024, and Chicago rolled the dice, giving her a shot with a training camp invite. And boy, did that gamble pay off!
Carter led the team with an impressive 17.5 points per game, showing the league that her talents are undeniable. On defense, she was fiercer than a caffeine-deprived barista during the morning rush. Without her, the Sky lacked that edge – the kind of edge that makes other teams nervous.
Breaking the ‘Escape from Chicago’ Trend
If the Chicago Sky’s front office has been busy with one thing over the years, it’s organizing goodbyes. Just a couple of months ago, they said sayonara to star guard Marina Mabrey, shipping her to the Connecticut Sun after Mabrey asked for a trade. Kahleah Copper followed in her footsteps, taking her talents to Phoenix. And let’s not forget former MVPs Sylvia Fowles and Elena Delle Donne – both of whom also packed their bags and left the Windy City in the dust.
But not Chennedy. Nope. Carter broke the trend of players jumping ship from Chicago faster than a sailor on a sinking boat. She wants back. The million-dollar question: will Chicago let her stay?
Looking Ahead to 2025: The New Sky High Five?
If Pagliocca does decide to match whatever offers come Carter’s way, we could be looking at a brand-new core for the Sky. Carter, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Diamond DeShields, and Isabelle Harrison showed flashes of brilliance together this season. In a league where chemistry is king, the Sky might just be cooking up something special.
So, while Jeff Pagliocca’s poker face is still intact, one thing’s for sure: Chennedy Carter’s heart is set on Chicago. Now, it’s just a waiting game.