Chicago Sky stack up on veterans in retooling effort

But escaping the bottom third of the league will remain a challenge. Talent-wise the Sky roster is treading water compared to last season. Now that the free agency pool has mostly dried up, Chicago will once again be swimming upstream toward a playoff spot.

Former franchise icon returns home with new role

Just three years ago, the Sky were chasing back-to-back WNBA championships. Vandersloot, the Sky’s 12-year veteran and four-time All-Star, led the team to its best regular season finish ever. But in the playoffs, her efficiency declined and defense became a liability–issues that would later impact her playing time with the New York Liberty. By 2024, the Liberty’s championship push hinged on elevating emerging star Leonie Fiebich over Vandersloot.

The desire for a bigger role contributed to Vandersloot leaving New York. After meeting with the Golden State Valkyries and Seattle Storm, Vandersloot signed a $185,000 one-year deal with the Sky (according to HerHoopStats).

“I want to have the ball in my hand, and to be able to create the way that I think that I can, and just be in a place that is comfortable for me and my family,” Vandersloot told reporters at Unrivaled media availability in mid-January.

Chicago offers this opportunity. Vandersloot will have control of the offense and a chance to build on her legacy. She is 52 points away from surpassing her wife Allie Quigley as Chicago’s all-time franchise scoring leader. She’s also 385 assists away from passing Sue Bird as the league’s all-time assists leader. 

From the Sky’s perspective, they gained a future Hall of Famer who can help set a winning standard and accelerate the development of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. 

However, last season’s production (6.4 points per game, 26.9% from three) from Vandersloot should temper expectations. Her signing may reflect a pragmatic acceptance that the only WNBA-ready point guard in the draft–Olivia Miles–will likely be off the board by the No. 3 pick. 

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Rebecca Allen trade adds versatility and floor spacing

In a savvy trade with the Connecticut Sun, the Sky flipped point guard Lindsay Allen and the rights to Nikolina Milić for “3-and-D” wing Rebecca Allen. The 6’2 veteran is a 36.3% shooter from deep in her career and can guard multiple positions. 

Last season, a hamstring injury and back surgery limited Allen to 18 games. When healthy, Allen has proven her ability to elevate contending teams. She played a crucial role in the Sun’s 2023 playoff run, scoring 9.7 points per game in the playoffs. Now on a one-year deal with the Sky, the objective will be convincing Allen to stick around for the rebuild.

Kia Nurse fills the backcourt void

After losing Marina Mabrey and Chennedy Carter, the Sky signed shooting guard Kia Nurse to deepen their backcourt. Though Nurse has settled into more of a role-player position since her 2019 All-Star season, she remains a confident shooter.

Her volume from deep last season exceeded everyone from last year’s Sky roster except for Rachel Banham. Even a modest boost from her 33.1% 3-point shooting percentage will help create spacing around Chicago’s dynamic frontcourt.

Without a seasoned star, player development remains key

The Sky did try to reel in at least one big fish this offseason: two-time Olympic gold medalist and Chicagoland native Jewell Loyd. But Loyd ended up with the Las Vegas Aces, home of fellow Olympians A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray. 

Without a proven star, the Sky remain dependent on player development. 

Second-year bigs Cardoso and Reese are clear priorities. But the Sky will also need a perimeter creator to help energize the offense. 

Small forward Michaela Onyenwere–who signed a $125,00 one-year deal according to HerHoopStats–may fit that bill. The 2021 Rookie of the Year is the type of quietly promising wing that could flourish in a rebuilding season.

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