It’s time for another episode of the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast. This episode features host Howard Megdal who is joined by James Kay, Chicago Sky beat reporter at The Next, to discuss the Sky’s already-eventful offseason. Yes, Candace Parker is returning to the WNBA in 2023 as of now. But, no, we don’t know for sure whether it will be to the Chicago Sky or another team — say, in Los Angeles.
James Kay talks about what it feels to be a Chicago Sky beat reporter:
“It’s crazy when you are covering some of the best players in the WNBA like Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, and Allie Quigley. It’s hard not being in the media section seem like, oh my god, I get to be a part of this, just watching all this talent, figure out how to make the pieces work. And even James Wade, who’s become one of the best coaches in the WNBA and executives in the WNBA. It’s overwhelming at times, but at the same time, that’s the fun of this.
I mean, like you’re able to cover something that’s been under covered for so long. And again, be a part of this with all these athletes that I’ve one point looked up to and now I have a professional relationship with.”
James Kay talks about Candace Parker returning another year and what it means for the Sky:
“It’s not a sure thing. But at the same time, I think when you begin to break down all the pros and cons for Candace Parker coming back to the Sky versus her going to Los Angeles. I believe that Richard Deitsch reported that she’s most likely going to pick between those two destinations. And to me, the timing of all this is the most important part when we talk about Candace potentially coming back because with the uncertainty around the Chicago Sky right now with a lot of key pieces from last year’s team and the championship team in 2021 just either potentially entering free agency or potentially retiring.
I think the timing of Candace coming out and saying, you know, I’m game for a 16 season in the WNBA. If James Wade and the front office are going to try to bring Courtney Vandersloot back, who, to me, is the most important piece when we talk about the Chicago Sky’s offensive and defensively.”
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