The Chicago Sky made strong moves during the 2024 WNBA Draft, selecting standout players Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina and Angel Reese from LSU in the first round. Both rookies performed impressively during their debut season. While the team didn’t secure a playoff spot, the Sky now have a solid foundation to build upon.
Despite this promising young frontcourt, Chicago still needs to strengthen its backcourt. To address this, the team’s general manager, Jeff Pagliocca, acquired veteran guard Ariel Atkins during the offseason. However, relying solely on Atkins won’t be enough to elevate the team’s guard play, so the Sky are expected to target more guards in the upcoming draft.
There’s also discussion about reuniting college teammates at the professional level. Former WNBA player and ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo spoke with Pagliocca about potentially pairing South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao with Cardoso or LSU’s Aneesah Morrow with Reese. Lobo pointed out that these kinds of pairings could help assess a player’s character and work ethic, saying it allows teams to ask trusted players like Cardoso or Reese directly about a potential draftee’s qualities.
Team chemistry will be essential, especially as the Sky navigate various roster changes. Their first challenge of the new season comes on opening night against the Indiana Fever, led by star Caitlin Clark, who helped her team reach the playoffs last year.