The Chicago Sky made a strategic draft move by selecting Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese at the third and seventh spots in the loaded WNBA draft. The two bigs, who were the Most Outstanding Players in the last two NCAA Tournament Final Fours, are expected to bring a new dynamic to the team. With the leadership of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, the Sky is aiming to bounce back from a rebuild after the 2022 season.
Both Cardoso and Reese have impressive college careers, with Cardoso coming off an undefeated season with the South Carolina Gamecocks and Reese being named the SEC Player of the Year as a senior at LSU. The duo is excited to join forces in Chicago and bring their skills to the next level in the WNBA. The Sky’s decision to draft these two players echoes a similar strategy employed by the Chicago Bulls in the 2001 draft, with Jerry Krause selecting Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry to form a young frontcourt duo known as the “Baby Bulls.”
Although Chandler and Curry faced challenges early in their careers due to inexperience and fit issues, both players eventually found success in the NBA after leaving Chicago. In contrast, Cardoso and Reese have the advantage of entering the league after four years of college seasoning and playing different positions, which should complement each other well. The Sky’s focus on improving their defense and rebounding with these draft picks is evident, as they aim to address their weaknesses from the previous season.
In addition to the frontcourt additions, the Sky also selected Brynna Maxwell, a sharpshooting guard from Gonzaga, with the 13th pick in the draft to bolster their perimeter shooting. With veteran players like Marina Mabrey already on the roster, Chicago aims to improve their offensive capabilities and compete at a higher level in the upcoming season. The team’s focus on building a balanced roster with a mix of young talent and experienced players indicates a promising future for the Sky in the WNBA. Fans can expect an exciting season ahead as the new draft picks and existing players come together to form a competitive team.
