Aces coach Becky Hammon has a lot of stories that involve Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon.
Five seasons’ worth of stories, to be exact.
Both former point guards’ WNBA careers began with the Liberty, overlapping as players from 1999 to 2003. When they opted to hold their pregame news conference together, their energy was not that of two competitors willing to do anything to get a win against the other. Although both adamantly said that was the case.
It was more like watching family members reconnect after an extended absence.
“Are you in [reading glasses] yet?” Hammon asked Weatherspoon, interrupting the tale she was about to share about her former teammate.
“I didn’t want to tell anybody, but . . .” Weatherspoon’s voice trailed off as both Hall of Famers broke into laughter.
As Hammon regained her composure, the story she dove into spoke volumes, considering the amount of tales she has in her arsenal.
“When I got to New York, I just remember thinking, ‘Man, I hope I’m that comfortable in my skin when I get older,’ ” Hammon said. “As a young player, she — in a generation that wanted you to sit back and be quiet — did not sit back and be quiet. That’s why this generation now has voices that they’ve never had.”
Weatherspoon played in the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997. She led the Liberty to four Finals appearances in the league’s first six seasons. Hammon was part of all of them except the first.
Now, Weatherspoon and Hammon are leading two of the WNBA’s most recognizable teams. The Aces are the two-time defending champions with the face of the league, A’ja Wilson, leading their efforts to win a third consecutive title.
Meanwhile, the Sky are building around Angel Reese, who is well on her way to becoming the WNBA’s next marquee star.
The Aces represent the WNBA’s present. They have four U.S. Olympians on their roster — Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young — who are expected to lead them back to the Finals.
The Sky, if they play their cards right, could be a future powerhouse in the WNBA.
Hammon credited Weatherspoon for setting a standard that she was forced to meet as a rookie. Now, in her rookie year as a coach in the WNBA, Weatherspoon is looking at her “little sister” as the standard.
“Measuring stick here,” Weatherspoon said, gesturing toward Hammon. Look at her team — what they’re doing, where they’re going, how they play and how much fun they have. That’s how we play. It’s beautiful to see and, of course, a measuring stick.”
Successful surgery
Center Elizabeth Williams had successful surgery on her right meniscus. Weatherspoon did not clarify whether it was to remove the meniscus or repair it but said she’s doing well. Williams had the surgery in Chicago and will remain with the team to rehab but will be out for the rest of the season.
The Sky are unable to add to their roster by using a hardship contract because their roster has not dropped below 10 available players. The Sky could add a player through a trade or if they waived someone. Waiving a player would open up one of the Sky’s 12 available roster spots.
Williams is signed to a protected veteran contract, meaning if the Sky were to waive her, they still would be responsible for her $135,000 contract. The Sky have four veterans signed to unprotected contracts: Diamond DeShields, Lindsay Allen, Chennedy Carter and Kysre Gondrezick. But they have no plans to waive anyone and will continue the season with 11 players.