How Tyler Marsh Plans to Skyrocket the Chicago Sky

Breezy Days Ahead: Marsh’s Roadmap to a Winning Sky

by: D’Joumbarey A. Moreau

From Turmoil to Triumph: The Road Ahead

There are few coaches in life who can command the attention and respect of their players before they even step foot on the court. Tyler Marsh is one of those coaches. Recently announced as the head coach of the Chicago Sky, his first order of business will be to create a championship culture that can revitalize a franchise searching for its identity.

A Team in Transition: The Challenge Ahead

Marsh comes to Chicago after a successful tenure with the Las Vegas Aces, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the Sky. Since their 2021 championship, Chicago’s front office has been in flux, struggling to navigate the turbulent waters of post-title expectations. Following a disappointing 2022 season, where they fell short of their championship goals, the situation became more precarious in 2023 when head coach and GM James Wade resigned midseason after a rocky 7-9 start.

In a bid to restore the franchise’s glory, the Sky hired Teresa Weatherspoon, but after a quiet free agency and the shocking trade request from franchise all-star Kahleah Copper, it became apparent that the team was in a rebuilding phase.

However, the Sky made significant strides in their first rebuilding year by drafting the superstar duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in the 2024 WNBA Draft, while also signing Chennedy Carter. Despite the 2024 season ending with a disappointing 13-27 record—marking the Sky’s first playoff absence in six years and Weatherspoon’s subsequent firing—the franchise now turns its attention to Marsh, who stands at the heart of Chicago’s future.

Anchors of Hope: The Reese-Cardoso Duo

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are poised to anchor Chicago’s defense and rebounding strength, laying a solid foundation for Marsh’s system. Reese’s dominance on the boards has been nothing short of remarkable. In 34 games, averaging 32.5 minutes, she has recorded 13.6 points and a staggering 13.1 rebounds per game. Her total rebounding percentage (TRB%) of 23.0% demonstrates her relentless pursuit of the ball, while her offensive rebounding rate of 16.9% showcases her ability to create second-chance points.

Defensively, Reese has a defensive rebounding rate of 29.6% and a defensive rating of 101.7, establishing her as a formidable force on the floor. Although her true shooting percentage (TS%) is currently at 46.4%—indicating room for growth—her potential to stretch the floor is encouraging. If she can develop a reliable three-point shot, hitting just 18.8% from deep this season, she could become a multifaceted threat that elevates Chicago’s offensive game.

Kamilla Cardoso, in her 32 games, has also proven to be an invaluable asset. With 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game on an efficient 52.1% shooting, she complements Reese perfectly. Her defensive rebounding rate of 21.5% and block rate of 4.6% illustrate her ability to protect the rim and control the paint. Moreover, her net rating of 29.9 in limited minutes highlights the significant impact she has when on the floor, providing the team with crucial defensive stability and scoring options inside.

The Quest for Offense: A Gym Shooter’s Mentality

While the Sky’s defensive prowess is commendable, the team’s offensive game is where improvement is most critical. Marsh aims to implement a fast-paced, efficient offense that can take advantage of the talents within the roster. Chicago must find ways to space the floor effectively. The loss of sharpshooter Marina Mabrey was a blow that can’t be overstated; her departure has highlighted the need for perimeter shooting. The signing of Rachel Banham is a step in the right direction, but more work needs to be done.

Chennedy Carter stands out as a key figure in Chicago’s quest for offensive efficiency. Shooting nearly 50% from the floor—an extraordinary achievement for a guard—Carter’s ability to facilitate the offense will be crucial. Over the 2024 season, she averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 48.7% from the field and 29.0% from three-point range. Her scoring efficiency can alleviate pressure on Reese and Cardoso, allowing them to focus on rebounding and defense.

The future could also see Reese becoming a more reliable scorer from the perimeter, given her solid shooting form. If she can improve her three-point shooting, it would create more room for Carter and Cardoso to operate, transforming the Sky into a more dynamic offensive team.

The Sky’s Limit: Patience and Progress

With immense potential on the horizon, Tyler Marsh faces a tall task in transforming the Chicago Sky back into contenders. The biggest hurdle may lie in whether the front office will provide him with the time and patience needed to implement his vision fully.

The future of this storied franchise hinges not only on the development of its promising young stars but also on the organization’s willingness to support Marsh as he embarks on this critical journey to restore the Sky’s championship pedigree.

As the Sky prepares for a new chapter under Marsh’s guidance, fans can only hope that the pieces fall into place, turning potential into performance and ambition into achievement. The sky is the limit for this team—it’s time for them to soar.