The Chicago Sky are facing challenges this season, currently holding a disappointing record of 3-10. On top of this, the team will now be without one of their key players, Kamilla Cardoso, who has been called to represent Brazil at the AmeriCup tournament from June 28 to July 6. Her absence will leave a significant gap in the Sky’s lineup, necessitating other players to step up.
With Cardoso out, the Sky are likely to rely heavily on Angel Reese for offensive production in the frontcourt. Reese has had difficulty finishing at the rim, making only 39.0% of her shots in the restricted area, which ranks her among the least efficient scorers in the league. Despite these struggles, her rebounding and passing abilities are valuable, but she will need to enhance her scoring capabilities to compensate for Cardoso’s absence.
Veteran Elizabeth Williams is set to take on a larger role at the center position. Having previously started the season before a knee injury sidelined her, she has shown efficiency with a shooting percentage of 51.5% in the paint this season. However, sustaining this efficiency in an increased role is crucial for the team’s performance. Williams will need to ensure her defensive contributions remain strong as she takes on more minutes.
Rebecca Allen and Michaela Onyenwere are also expected to see their roles expanded. Allen, who has struggled with her scoring this season, averaging only 5.8 points per game, must find her shooting form if the Sky hopes to maintain competitive lineups. Onyenwere, the former WNBA Rookie of the Year, has seen limited action but is poised to earn more minutes in Cardoso’s absence. For Onyenwere to make an impact, she needs to stretch defenses effectively when playing alongside either Reese or Williams.
As the Sky looks to navigate these challenges, the team’s depth will be tested. They need to find a way to maintain competitiveness while Cardoso is away, relying on the collective efforts of players like Reese, Williams, Allen, and Onyenwere. Despite the current struggles, there remains hope for improvement as players adapt to heavier responsibilities, and the potential for strategic adjustments may offer new opportunities for growth.