There are few things post players love more than a point guard who will reward them for running the floor, setting good screens, and fighting for position down low. Last season, the Chicago Sky didn’t really have a player like that—or at least not one with the same skill level as Courtney Vandersloot.
After winning a championship with the New York Liberty last season, Courtney Vandersloot is back in Chicago and looks ready to help her young teammates develop. The success Angel Reese found playing next to Chelsea Gray in Unrivaled only underlined the Sky’s need for a veteran point guard.
So far, it has been Reese’s teammate Kamilla Cardoso who has benefitted most from Vandersloot’s return to Chicago, though.
Kamilla Cardoso is thriving next to Courtney Vandersloot
The benefits of pairing Cardoso with a veteran point guard were on full display in the Sky’s second preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx. As a rookie, Cardoso was a great rebounder and defender, but looked a little limited offensively at times. That issue should resolve itself this season.
Against the Lynx, Cardoso hit double-digit scoring within 15 minutes of being on the court. She scored efficiently, benefiting widely from Vandersloot’s presence. Cardoso hit five field goals. Four of those baskets were assisted by Courtney Vandersloot.
The very first basket of the game set the tone. Cardoso set a screen for Vandersloot, rolled to the basket, and got the ball back for an easy layup. Her second bucket didn’t come quite as easily, as Cardoso had to back down Alanna Smith to get to the rim, but Vandersloot got the ball to her at just the right time.
After that, Cardoso scored off two more assists from Vandersloot—once more in the pick-and-roll and once while she was cutting through the paint.
The two did this in limited minutes. Cardoso played only 17 minutes, and Vandersloot was on the court for 20 minutes. Just imagine how Cardoso will look playing heavy minutes with Vandersloot running the show.
2025 could be a big season for Cardoso
Cardoso is well set up for a big second season in the WNBA. She has more experience, just finished a successful season in China, and has better teammates around her. Veterans Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, Kia Nurse, and Rebecca Allen will undoubtedly make the game easier for Cardoso by providing experience, spacing the floor, or setting her up for easy baskets.
When it comes to the Sky, many eyes are on Angel Reese. Reese has already established herself as an All-Star and one of the best rebounders in the league. It is only fair for her to receive a lot of attention. However, Cardoso should not be overlooked. The 2025 season should remind everyone of that.