Can a rising star dim a coach’s light? This might be the case in head coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s firing! Well, the news of Weatherspoon’s dismissal from the Chicago Sky has everyone talking. While many feel it was a harsh call, there’s a general understanding that there were indeed reasons behind the Windy City franchise letting go of their fourth coach in six years.

2x All-Star and current ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike has highlighted a new angle while reacting to the surprising firing of the Sky head coach. She pointed out how expectations skyrocket with star players.

“People expect winning in some ways because you have tremendous talent like Angel Reese making history,” she said. The 32-year-old added, “But the reality is, it’s very difficult to establish an identity with such a limited runway, just one year before the decision is made.” Ahead of the season, Chicago added the No.3 and No.7 Draft picks, Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese, respectively, along with former All-Rookie Team member, Chennedy Carter, to the roster.

With Reese also came a bunch of new fans and the team saw an instant uptick in expectations. However, Ogwumike feels it’s unfair on the coach. Moreover, many fans, who are throwing dirt on the Chicago ex-head coach do not fully know her impressive credentials.

“This woman is a Hall of Famer, voted one of the Top 20 Players in WNBA history!” the ESPN analyst emphasized. With her coaching experience as a developmental coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, it seemed she was stepping into a great situation as she had a roster full of young players, but it quite didn’t turn out in her favor. 

This comes after the Sky’s co-owner, Nadia Rawlinson, released an official statement regarding the decision to part ways with Weatherspoon. Despite the coach’s impressive background, the Sky’s performance this season—going 13-27 and missing the playoffs—led to Teresa’s axing. After making the playoffs last year, expectations were high with the additions of Angel Reese and Cardoso. Fans anticipated another playoff run, but sadly, after Reese’s injury, the team slipped to a disappointing 10th-place finish. But is that the only reason T-Spoon was fired?

Was Angel Reese’s fame the reason Teresa Weatherspoon got fired?

Weatherspoon’s booting out stemmed from multiple factors, including her relative inexperience as a head coach. While she brought a wealth of playing knowledge, her coaching faced challenges connecting with players. Exit interviews echoed that the team struggled with communication. Also, the Sky’s disappointing season further made the situation worse. But among all these reasons, the expectations surrounding Reese seem to have played the most important part.

Angel Reese’s incredible talent and records have undoubtedly made waves in the WNBA, putting her in the spotlight for all the right reasons. However, her fame could have impacted things big time for Coach T-Spoon. In Sports, the talent on the court doesn’t translate to wins, and that’s where things can get tricky.

That’s precisely what happened this time. The growing expectations, because of the WNBA All-Star’s rebounding records, put Teresa’s coaching skills into question and didn’t allow her much time to prove herself. However, after the news broke, Angel took it to X and penned, “I’m heartbroken. I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life.”

She labeled Weatherspoon the hero who believed in her when no one else did. The rookie’s emotional response reveals just how much her coach meant to her. The connection they built in such a short time speaks volumes. This relationship is so special that it’s hard to see how her skills could have been a factor in the termination of Teresa Weatherspoon. Now Chicago is on the lookout for yet another head coach. Let us see who steps up to the challenge!