The Chicago Sky will miss the WNBA playoffs for the third consecutive season. Their latest defeat to the Indiana Fever, a team that has consistently overpowered the Sky, highlights their ongoing challenges. Last week, the Sky fought to achieve a few victories, delaying their inevitable elimination.
Missing the playoffs initially led to disappointment and frustration. Now, a missed postseason for the third time points to management issues and missed opportunities that have characterized this period for the Sky under new leadership.
With six more matches remaining, due to the FIBA World Cup break, it’s an appropriate time to evaluate another disappointing season. General Manager Jeff Pagliocca aims for victory, evident in the recent roster overhauls, sacrificing draft picks in pursuit of immediate success. This drive for instant wins struggles against the realities of competitive sports.
Despite significant investments, the team’s biggest additions turned out to be its greatest disappointments. Azurá Stevens, paid over $1 million annually, averaged only ten points per game, partly due to injuries and personal issues. Skylar Diggins, another key acquisition, only played nineteen games before criticizing the leadership and withdrawing due to a knee injury. Rickea Jackson, seen as a critical trade asset, suffered a knee injury after only four games. Jacy Sheldon, involved in an unpopular trade, lost her starting lineup position.
Sydney Taylor’s performance was among the season’s positives. Her rookie season included buzzer-beater wins and an average of 14.2 points per game. Courtney Vandersloot, returning from ACL surgery, averaged five assists per game. Natasha Cloud’s contributions added energy to the team at times.
The Sky’s roster was built on hope, with Pagliocca signing players with preexisting injuries, like DiJonai Carrington, Diggins, Stevens, and Vandersloot. This laid the foundation for challenges throughout the year. The team not only dealt with injuries but also struggled with close games, losing 14 out of 23 competitive matches, ranking poorly in three-point shooting, rebounding, and defense.
Tyler Marsh’s second year as head coach hasn’t established a consistent playing style, partly due to the inherently flawed roster. Marsh remains optimistic, aiming for growth in the remaining games. “We’re not just playing for the right now,” Marsh said. “We’re playing for the future too.”
The future sentiment is questionable. Most of the roster will stay under contract in 2027, with a few expiring deals and Sydney Taylor expected to return. However, maintaining a consistent system remains doubtful, and the roster’s condition challenges the rebuilding process.
Kamilla Cardoso’s and Jackson’s rookie contracts will expire in 2027. Diggins’ status remains uncertain. Vandersloot shows reliability but is approaching the end of her career. Without a draft lottery pick, the Sky lacks the assets to rebuild or start anew.
With ongoing struggles, Pagliocca and Marsh risk staying stuck in a cycle without progress. Ownership might need to reconsider top-down changes.