The Chicago Sky are gearing up for a transformative season, and I'm here to give you the inside scoop on what to expect. This team is almost unrecognizable from previous years, and that's not just because of the new jerseys. With a roster overhaul, strategic shifts, and a few surprises, the Sky are aiming to redefine their identity in the WNBA.
A New-Look Squad
Let's start with the obvious: the Sky have undergone a major facelift. Only four players remain from the 2025 roster, which is a bold move for any team. The departure of Angel Reese in a blockbuster trade sets the tone for a fresh start. The front office clearly wants to shake things off after missing the playoffs for two consecutive years.
What's intriguing is their focus on bolstering the guard and wing positions. The addition of Skylar Diggins, Jacy Sheldon, and the seasoned Natasha Cloud brings a new dimension to their backcourt. Personally, I think this is a strategic shift to address their playmaking woes from last season. With Vandersloot's injury, they lacked true point guards, and this new lineup aims to rectify that.
Strategic Adjustments
One strategic adjustment that caught my eye is their plan for Kamilla Cardoso. At 6-foot-7, she's a towering presence, but they won't just park her under the basket. The Sky intend to utilize her in pick-and-roll actions, leveraging her strength as a rolling big. This is a smart move to maximize her impact, especially with the improved backcourt depth.
Another notable change is the signing of Natasha Cloud, who brings much-needed secondary ball-handling skills. The Sky's assist-to-turnover ratio last season was abysmal, and Cloud's addition addresses this weakness. It's a tactical move that could significantly alter their offensive flow.
Injury Woes and Opportunities
The Sky aren't starting the season injury-free, which is a concern. Vandersloot's ACL recovery, Carrington's foot sprain, and Stevens' knee injury are significant setbacks. It's a tough spot for any team, especially with Stevens being the highest-paid player and a key offensive catalyst.
However, this also presents an opportunity for younger players like Gabriela Jaquez to step up and gain valuable experience. In my opinion, this could be a blessing in disguise, allowing the Sky to develop their bench strength and potentially uncover hidden gems.
Draft Picks and Surprises
The Sky's recent draft picks have been a mixed bag. It's not uncommon for WNBA teams to see turnover in draft selections, but the Sky's situation is noteworthy. They've waived several 2025 draft picks, including Maddy Westbeld and Aicha Coulibaly, who were re-signed to developmental contracts. This new CBA feature is an interesting strategy to retain young talent, even if they don't make the final roster.
One surprise is the decision of Ajša Sivka, the 2025 draft pick, to play college basketball instead of joining the WNBA immediately. This is a unique choice, as most international players either join the league right away or opt not to come at all. Sivka's decision to gain NCAA experience could pay dividends for her development, but it also means the Sky will have to wait for her talents.
The Road Ahead
As the Sky embark on their 2026 journey, they face a challenging schedule with a four-game road trip to start. This new-look team will need to gel quickly, and the early games will be crucial in setting the tone.
In my opinion, the Sky's success this season will hinge on their ability to adapt to these strategic changes and overcome injury setbacks. If they can do so, they might just surprise the league and redefine themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell if this experiment pays off, but one thing's for sure: the Chicago Sky are a team to watch this year.
