‘Defer’: Chicago Sky draft pick considering not playing with Angel Reese this season

Per Poe, the Sky’s front office is aware that Sivka might not play in the WNBA this summer as the Slovenian star has Eurobasket commitments.

“It’s not uncommon for European players to defer their move to the WNBA, waiting years after their draft selection to come to the United States — if they come at all, Poe wrote. “Often, this is due to a lack of communication when teams make selections without ever discussing with players their interest in the WNBA.

“This situation is different. (Sky general manager Jeff) Pagliocca said the Sky had ‘a lot of really good conversations’ with Sivka leading up to the draft, which encouraged him about her intentions to play in the WNBA if she was drafted.”

Slovenia is set to begin its group phase for Eurobasket on June 18. The tournament wraps up on June 29. Because of the preparation for and the tournament, Sivka wouldn’t be able to report to Chicago until around July, the middle of the WNBA schedule.

Which isn’t a great time for a rookie to get settled in.

The Sky could defer Sivka’s rookie season

Chicago is considering deferring Sivka’s rookie season until 2026.

“The front office is exploring different options, which could include allowing her to defer her rookie season to 2026,” Wrote. “But the bottom line remains the same: (Sky general manager Jeff) Pagliocca and the Sky believe Sivka is a foundational piece for the Sky, regardless of when she finally makes her WNBA debut.”

The Sky added Sivka in the hopes that her shooting could open up the post play for Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. That might be deferred for another season or more until the young basketball player becomes familiar with her role in the WNBA.

The Sky didn’t use their first-round pick for the immediate future. But then again, Chicago isn’t ready to compete for a championship this season.