The Chicago Sky has been fighting hard to clinch a playoff berth this season. Adding to the struggles was their best scorer this year — Chennedy Carter, who suddenly withdrew from games. While many speculated on the possible reasons, a recent report revealed that Carter had COVID-19. Post that, the Sky lost all hopes of making a comeback, losing the following four games. However, an air of positive news has circulated for the Windy City. The basketball world once again saw the 2020 fourth-overall pick during a practice session on Thursday ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Certainly boosting the spirits of Angel Reese and Co.

The Underdog WNBA tweeted Carter’s health updates on Thursday, helping fans breathe a sigh of relief. Carter last played the Las Vegas Aces in late August. There, she hit a team-high 25 points with 5 rebounds. In the previous update, she was in a hospital bed. Her absence slimmed the playoff chances for the Sky. It also demoralized Reese’s spirits, who has been a lone warrior for the Sky in all these games.

Last week on Tuesday, the Sky’s practice session was abruptly canceled, shocking the fans. Later, it was revealed that many of the Sky players had fallen ill only for the athletes to be seen wearing masks as per the COVID-19 protocols. Carter was said to have tested positive for COVID-19 before their game against the Washington Mystics in August. This must have put additional pressure on Reese as she tried her best to help the Sky win games. However, the rookie failed to uplift the team despite exceptional performances.

While Carter averages the team’s highest 17.2 points per game, Reese logs 13.3 points with 13.2 rebounds per game. The duo has been one of the mainstays for the Sky this season with fans even naming them the Chenn-Barbie of Chicago. The loyalists have been wishing for Carter’s comeback so that the franchise could make it to the playoffs once again. Currently, Chicago is in the eighth spot in the WNBA rankings with only 7 games left before the regular season ends. Hence, there are still chances of them making a last-minute comeback with the 25-year-old on the hardwood. But can Chenedy Carter’s return ensure the end of distressing times for the team?

Chicago’s rebuilding mission might just fall in line with Chennedy Carter at the helm

The Chicago Sky was tasked with a difficult mission at the start of the season. A new head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, had just taken over the duties. Their primary players, including Kahleah Copper, Alanna Smith, and Courtney Williams, had either departed in free agency or were traded to other teams. Thus, T-spoon accepted the duty of rebuilding the team in her first season itself.

After several permutations and combinations, the head coach has apparently decided that Reese could be the double-double queen with her rebounding prowess in full display. On the other hand, Chennedy Carter could help the team offensively. Meanwhile, the third-overall pick Kamilla Cardoso could push the team defensively through her dominance in the paint.

However, an unexpected health problem with Carter washed their hopes of making the playoffs. But now if the star takes the court in the next 7 games, the fans and Reese can hope that the team ultimately qualifies for the elimination series. This news would certainly lift the Sky’s spirits.