The Chicago Sky announced  that James Wade will be leaving his positions as head coach and general manager to join the Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach, marking the NBA’s second head coaching move in as many weeks.

In contrast to the public’s surprise at Vanessa Nygaard’s dismissal following the Phoenix Mercury’s 2-10 start, Wade’s announcement that he was leaving for the NBA was shocking. The Sky are coming off of the finest two seasons in franchise history, which included the franchise’s first WNBA title in 2021, despite having an uneventful 2023. Wade wanted to avoid a full rebuild after a star exodus this offseason, so he brought in players to support 2021 Finals MVP Kahleah Copper instead. So far, it’s been a mixed bag, and getting hurt hasn’t made things better. With Emre Vatansever, an interim head coach and general manager, taking over, the Sky are currently 7-9, and it is unclear where the team will go from here.

Since 2021, every team—aside from the Minnesota Lynx—has had to appoint a new head coach due to Wade’s departure for the NBA. This past offseason, five new head coaches were appointed.

We examine the implications of this coaching move for the Sky in the future and during the current campaign.

What immediate effects will Wade’s exit have on the sky?

Philippou: The Chicago Sky’s 2023 had already been tumultuous.In order to surround Copper with the offseason losses of Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, Candace Parker, Emma Meesseman, and Azura Stevens, Wade chose to bring in Marina Mabrey, Courtney Williams, Elizabeth Williams, and Isabelle Harrison.

The updated appearance After a 3-1 start, Sky has struggled recently, dropping six straight games before their current two-game winning streak. Even still, if the season ended today, Chicago—which is currently sixth in the standings—would qualify for the postseason.

The Sky’s short-term goals of finding stability and extending their winning streak—which should only grow simpler as more players return to the court—remain unaffected by Wade’s departure. The ultimate objective is to guarantee Chicago’s fifth straight postseason appearance.