Platitudes are a routine part of news conferences.
The key is deciphering what has genuine value. On Tuesday, when the Sky formally introduced Tyler Marsh as the eighth coach in franchise history, he said all the right things. Marsh talked about ensuring the Sky are a “trend-setting” franchise, and general manager Jeff Pagliocca affirmed to fans, “I heard you. I felt you. We delivered.”
It was, by all measures, a screaming success. But, then again, so was the introduction of Teresa Weatherspoon last year, proving it’s less about what’s said and more about what can be done.
Marsh has a clear plan and a résumé supporting its execution. His first task after the WNBA draft lottery Sunday will be to develop a new offense.
The Sky were last in the league in 2024 in three-point shots and makes and 11th in field-goal percentage and offensive rating. The team’s makeup was a factor with only one consistent three-point threat in Marina Mabrey. Their three-point struggles were exacerbated when she forced a trade to the Sun in July. The main hindrance to success was their style of play or, rather, the absence of any offensive direction under Weatherspoon.
More often than not, the Sky’s ”strategy” resulted in breakdowns that led to guard Chennedy Carter being forced to create one-on-one. Angel Reese’s dominance on the boards covered up the absence of an offensive scheme.
Marsh rightfully has been credited for developing Jackie Young’s game, specifically her three-point shooting. Aces coach Becky Hammon said the best way to summarize Marsh’s influence is by looking at the entire team’s shot chart.
“He’s had a lot of direct impact on [shooting],” Hammon told the Sun-Times. “He spent a lot of time with all of [our players]. He’s been a great sounding board for them. It can be chaotic during a season, and he’s been a really calming, strong voice for everyone. He’s that steadying factor. That shock absorber on cars.”
On Tuesday, Marsh emphasized his affinity for a high-powered offense by acknowledging his defensive-minded father, longtime men’s basketball coach Donnie Marsh.
“We argue about this all the time,” Tyler said. “Those days of 50- and 60-point games that he’s used to are over with. We want to score, and we want to score a lot.”
Marsh’s plans to emphasize three-point shooting will need to be supported by offseason moves made by Pagliocca. The Sky will look to add outside scoring to space the floor through the draft and free agency. Another avenue Pagliocca could explore is the expansion draft.
The Valkyries, who will be able to pick one player from each team’s unprotected list, could agree to select a player, then use her in a trade.
The development of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso offers the Sky the greatest payout in the long run. Adding the right pieces around them will be critical to that development, especially on offense.
Reese made 3 of 15 three-pointers in 2024 but is committed to expanding her offensive game. Improving her shot and becoming a multidimensional threat to go along with her rebounding prowess will be key to the Sky’s success in 2025.
Unlocking Cardoso’s potential to be one of the WNBA’s most dominant bigs will lie in her ability to pass out of the post.
“Offensively, we want to be a balanced team,” Marsh said, “one that’s able to run the score up when we need to and play a fast-paced style. But when it’s time to get down and dirty, win one in the trenches, we’re able to grind those games out, as well. We have great mobile and agile defensive bigs with Angel, Kamilla and Elizabeth Williams. So, we’ll be dependent on them to protect the paint and set the tone defensively.”