With training camp starting on Sunday, the Chicago Sky can finally put their newest additions to the test after a long offseason that saw them make a few key moves. Chicago added one of its potential crown jewels this year in Ariel Atkins, who joins the Sky after seven impactful seasons with the Washington Mystics. Two of their newest rookies in Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld will take the floor just one week before the start of the preseason.
The Sky will have a pair of options to look out for at the starting small forward spot. Michaela Onyenwere, who will be entering her second season with the squad, will be a player to look out for after making 18 starts for Chicago last season. The 6-foot forward could be the glue player that holds everything together alongside four presumed starters. While they likely won't start for the Sky, a few younger training camp signees could also make their case as potential small forward options.
Can Rebecca Allen find her way into the Sky's starting lineup? What will she bring if she does?
Rebecca Allen's two-way skills may make her a must-needed starter
Allen, a near-decade long WNBA veteran, may have been one of the more underrated additions in the Sky's offseason.
Allen can be a much-needed defensive option for Chicago after averaging nearly one steal and one block per game during her time in the W. The 6-foot-2 guard can add some extra size at the small forward position and what could be a guard-heavy roster. Her versatility will also be a plus and give her a leg up in the battle for the starting small forward spot.
“Bec is a versatile wing and a legitimate two-way player,” Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a February release. “She has terrific length and is a proven threat from beyond the arc in our league. We cannot wait to welcome Bec to Skytown.”
Allen can help address one of the Sky's biggest X-Factors in 3-point shooting. She joins the Sky's roster with a career 3-point percentage of just over 36%. She had a few lights out 3-point performances last season, including a night against her former team in the New York Liberty that saw her hit five of her seven tries from long range. Should she continue to be a solid shooter this season, the Sky could be one step closer to lifting their offense back to what it was in years past.