3 Ways Sky Can Stop Squandering Angel Reese’s Stellar Production

This season, 1st-time head coach Tyler Marsh was brought in to solve that problem. Despite their losses, there have been some instances where it became evident that the Chicago Sky should focus on the combined play of the Brazilian and Angel Reese.

They are both young and talented, and more importantly, a handful for opposing defenses. Where Angel Reese is a menace on the boards, and her defense has steadily improved, Cardoso is a terrific shot blocker and has started to find her rhythm on offense.

The only way forward for the Sky is to continue building and designing their offense and defensive schemes around these two towering ladies. But they alone are not enough, and that’s where the front office needs to focus in the offseason.

Take advantage of CBA reset to surround Angel Reese with talent

The WNBA and its players have yet to agree on the next CBA. Angel Reese has been vocal about the need for players to get what they deserve. Even though there is the possibility of a strike, the Chicago Sky can use this opportunity to overhaul its roster.

Courtney Vandersloot is Chicago royalty after spending 14 seasons with the team and also marrying one of the Sky’s legendary players in Allie Quigley. There is a high possibility of her staying, and that is a good thing.

They were hoping to tap into her experience to fast-track the young squad’s development. Maybe they can do it next season when she is back healthy. Other than her, the team has a slew of veteran players who have been inconsistent at best. Ariel Atkins was supposed to be the star who would take on the scoring burden, but she has struggled in games.

Rachel Banham can light up the scoreboard, but is better suited at coming off the bench than handling point guard duties in Vandersloot’s absence. Rebecca Allen and Kia Nurse‘s on-off nights have made it difficult for the team to find a surefire solution.

The good thing is that all those players are free agents. The Sky does not have a 1st round draft pick, hence the only way to find better players is to throw the red carpet for top stars. Angel Reese and Cardoso need consistent shooters and perimeter defenders to thrive.

Sky needs to bring in Ajsa Sivka to pair alongside Angel Reese

The Chicago Sky drafted four players this year. Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick, Maddy Westbeld at No. 16, Aicha Coulibaly with their 22nd pick, and Slovenian Ajsa Sivka with the 10th overall pick.

Their decision to use their best pick to select the 19-year-old was logical, as the 6′ 4″ forward is a good shooter and can use her length to upset opponents both on the perimeter and inside the paint. She will be great beside Angel Reese, as her scoring will help stretch the floor.

She did not join the team as she focused on her national team’s EuroBasket campaign, and she wanted to graduate from high school. Next year, she will be ready to join, but the Sky’s top brass needs to convince her to leave her home country.

European players tend to stay back and come to the United States only after they feel they have developed enough. But Sivka has potential and the skills the Sky need if they are to build a core. Once she confirms to play next season, the front office can focus on signing top players for the other positions. Only when they do these things can the Sky look towards fighting for a playoff spot.