NFL
By: Nathan Snell
Suppose you were not failing into the farce of the “Angel Reese & LSU Fans” harassing current and former teammates. The 2024 season saw some highlights for Chicago Sky. However, they faced 13-27 and were second to last in points per game. Angel Reese has proven her worth in this league and could have her name in the MVP conversation this season.
After one season, Teressa Weatherspoon is no longer with the organization. The Las Vegas Aces lost another key cog of their coaching staff in Tyler Marsh, who is now at the helm as coach. The Sky’s front office retooled the roster this off-season and built around Reese and Cardoso.
Free Agents:
Courtney Vandersloot
Ariel Atkins (Trade for Washington for 2025 #3 Overall Pick)
Rebecca Allen (Initially was traded to Connecticut Sun from Phoenix as a part of the Four Way Trade on February 2nd, then on the 4th was traded to Chicago Sky)
Kia Nurse (Free Agency)
The lackluster offensive performance was primarily due to trading Marina Mabrey, who wanted out to Connecticut Sun. The return in that trade did nothing to fill the void of perimeter shooting. Some of that could be blamed on coaching, and some of that could be blamed on talent. The reality is that Chicago was built from a defensive mind, as Weatherspoon herself is one of the best defensive guards.
The frontcourt for the most part around Reese and Cardoso stayed the same. Michaela Onyenwere should see an increase in minutes with Elizabeth Williams returning for her 11th year.
The backcourt is key for the Sky this offseason, Coach Marsh played a huge part in why the Aces lead the league in points per games. This guard group led by Vandersloot should see improvements, Rachal Banham, and Moriah Jefferson who are back for another season have their work cut out for them.
While some would argue this is a rebuild, others would make a case for a retool. Two new coaches within two years? The offense should flow easily through Reese and Cardoso, but the key as both go into their second season.
2025 Draft Class:
Ajsa Sikva- Stretch Forward that can shoot.
Hailey Van Lith- After a disappointing season at LSU, Van Lith moved to TCU in pro style offense, and has team usa expierence. First round pick? Some would argue.
Maddy Westbeld
Aicha Coulibaly
We have to give this team time. Unfornately 2026, free agency makes or breaks most of the league. Chicago did give up their 2026 first round pick to draft Sikva and Van Lith. So for now it simply building for the future.
By 2026 or 2027, the Sky will be ready to compete.
Projected Starting Lineup: Vandersloot, Atkins, Onyenwere, Reese, and Cardoso
Projected Wins: 15
Projected Scoring Leader: Vandersloot, and Atkins
Projected Rebound Leader: Cardoso, Reese, and Onyenwere
Questions/Concerns
- Are we competing or Improving?
- With the Departure of Dana Evans and Isabelle Harrison who fills those rolls?
- Ariel Atkins should see her stats increase.
- Chicago has a thin frontcourt if there is foul trouble or an injury, are we running a third guard offense?
- Was giving up the third overall pick for Courtney Vandersloot the right decision?
