Head coaching in the pros is a tough, instant gratification-based industry.
Imo only the few elite head coaches in any given league could find success in a franchise’s situation.
For everyone else, even if you’re a good coach, the fit may not be right re: state of the roster, dynamics with the front office, etc.
And if you don’t figure it out – upward trajectory in the win column, showing that the roster is improving (whether it’s talent/personnel-wise or chemistry/cohesion on the court, or both), finding how to work well with the front office – within 2-3 years, you’re out of a job again. Typically no matter how much experience or an established reputation you may or may not have.
Maybe the W has a HC talent scarcity. But then, under those evaluations, maybe other leagues with over twice the amount of teams do as well.
My view of WNBA scarcity looks like this from least to most scarce for "quality" players/coaches/...: SG<W<PF<C<PG<HC<GM. Or the easiest position to fill is SG most scarce position to fill is a qualified, competent GM. On the player side, the scarcity may change from year to year. While there may be WNBA quality SG's who can't even make teams (e.g. Caldwell), there are always teams that lack a good PG.
Kind of a pessimistic outlook for the Sky to lose Sloot, Quigley and maybe even Parker. I guess my question is what superstar player want to step into the shadow of one the all time greats on the heals of their retirement. Just seems to me that if Sloot goes to the Storm she will forever be haunted by comparisons to Sue Bird. Every TO or missed shot will raise the question of whether Sue Bird would have made that pass or basket. Every loss will be blamed on her. And it won't even be enough to win a WNBA Championship in Seattle - Sue Bird did that 4 times. She will always be second best if that. Should Seattle's luck run out and losing season(s) follow - guess who will get blame? If she stays in Chicago (or goes anywhere else) she remains Courtney Vandersloot rather than the PG that came after Sue Bird.
Anyway, it probably depends a lot more on whether Stewart sticks around and if the Storm can attract enough decent FA's to actually form good starting lineup and bench. If Sloot wants to go home to the Storm, why wouldn't Stewart want to go to NY?
Over the years I've read many times that WNBA teams don't really have much time for practice once the season starts. With more games being added and the season being shorted practice seems even less important. If so, I don't see how investing $40-$60 million in a practice facility adds much to team performance or anything to the bottom line. While players might like to practice in a really cool facility, wouldn't they rather that money was spend on player salaries? In any case, if teams are spending that kind of money for a practice facility, they shouldn't be whining about increasing players salaries or charter travel being too expensive.
It's possible, I suppose that the practice facilities are being financed and by local governments as was the case with the Mystic arena (aka the Wizards practice facility.) The same was true of the Gateway Center Arena used by the SkyHawks and the Dream.
The general notion is that Vandersloot will head to Seattle to take a max deal to replace Bird. I still think Quigley plays her final season in her return to Seattle. Agree about Parker doing one more year with Chicago. No Sloot or Quigley will allow them to throw money at Stevens. Meesseman opting out would likely mean Allemand doesn't come over, either. Probably thrusts Evans into their starting PG position. Maybe Wade brings back Ndour? Anneli Maley?
Parker may want to play another year but I think if Sloot leaves, she considers going elsewhere or potentially being done. Chicago is not contending without Sloot.
formerly pickdiamondmillerchallenge lol formerly dmillerturnprochallenge ha formerly bostonturnprochallenge lol
Despite the penny pinching from the owners, the Sky are probably the first team to have a wait-list for season tickets. Would suck for the fans if the team imploded and Sloot, Quigley and Parker all left.