The Chicago Sky, one of the most promising teams in the WNBA, had a disappointing season in 2020. With a record of 12-10, they failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. This unexpected downfall left fans and experts alike wondering what went wrong for the Sky. However, instead of dwelling on their past failures, the team has taken a proactive approach to turn things around for the upcoming season.
The Sky’s management wasted no time in addressing the issues that led to their downfall. They knew that changes needed to be made, and they were determined to come back stronger. The first step in this process was to address the concerns raised by Angel Reese, the team’s star player. In a bold move, Reese publicly called out the front office and the squad, stating that they needed to acquire good and great players to be successful. This statement was a wake-up call for the Sky’s management, and they took it seriously.
The team’s management knew that they had to make some strategic moves to avoid a full rebuild. With the WNBA expansion draft looming, the Sky had to act fast to secure their key players. And that’s exactly what they did. In a series of early deals, the Sky managed to dodge the expansion draft and secure their core players for the upcoming season.
One of the most significant moves made by the Sky was re-signing All-Star guard Courtney Vandersloot. Vandersloot, who has been with the Sky since 2011, is a crucial player for the team. She led the league in assists for the past four seasons and was named the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2019. Her leadership and playmaking abilities make her an invaluable asset to the Sky, and her re-signing was a major win for the team.
The Sky also made a smart move by re-signing All-Star forward Diamond DeShields. DeShields, who was the team’s leading scorer in 2020, is a dynamic player who can create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her athleticism and versatility make her a valuable addition to the Sky’s roster.
In addition to retaining their key players, the Sky also made some strategic trades to strengthen their team. They acquired veteran guard Allie Quigley from the Dallas Wings in exchange for a first-round draft pick. Quigley, who has been with the Sky since 2013, is a three-time All-Star and a two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year. Her experience and scoring abilities will be crucial for the Sky’s success in the upcoming season.
The Sky also made a trade with the New York Liberty, acquiring guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough in exchange for guard Stephanie Watts. Walker-Kimbrough, a former first-round pick, is a talented player who can contribute on both ends of the court. Her addition to the Sky’s roster adds depth and versatility to the team.
With these early deals, the Sky have managed to secure their core players and avoid losing them in the expansion draft. This strategic move shows the team’s commitment to building a winning team and their determination to bounce back from their disappointing season.
The Sky’s management has also made some key signings in the free agency market. They signed veteran forward Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and six-time All-Star. Parker, who spent her entire career with the Los Angeles Sparks, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Sky. Her addition to the team is a major statement of intent and shows the Sky’s determination to win a championship.
The Sky also signed guard Lexie Brown, who was a key player for the Minnesota Lynx last season. Brown’s scoring abilities and defensive prowess make her a valuable addition to the Sky’s roster. With these signings, the Sky have added depth and talent to their team, making them a formidable force in the upcoming season.
The Chicago Sky’s early deals and strategic signings have put them in a strong position for the upcoming season. They have managed to retain their key players, add depth and talent to their roster, and avoid a full rebuild. This shows the team’s commitment to winning and their determination to bounce back from their disappointing season.
The Sky’s management has taken the necessary steps to address the concerns raised by Angel Reese and has shown that they are willing to do whatever it takes to build a winning team. With a talented roster and a strong determination to succeed
