With all the furor surrounding Angel Reese, it is easy for avid fans to forget that Kamilla Cardoso was the Sky's priority in the 2024 WNBA Draft. They utilized their 3rd-overall pick to select the South Carolina center.
It was a brutal 2024 campaign for Chicago. The team only won 13 games during the regular season. However, both Cardoso and Reese showcased that brighter days are ahead for the franchise. Many will pile pressure on the former LSU forward to propel the Sky to greatness, but Cardoso's tenacious defense and potential on offense could also be a steady foundation to build upon.
Can these numbers translate into the WNBA and allow Cardoso a remarkable breakout year?
Dominant defensive capabilities
Standing at 6-foot-7, the imposing center established a reputation as one of the elite defenders coming out of college. After displaying her incredible rim-protecting capabilities by averaging 2.5 blocks per game in her senior year, Cardoso was awarded the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
It is not an easy transition from the collegiate level to the big leagues. Nevertheless, the Brazilian powerhouse proved to be a resilient figure on defense in her rookie year. She averaged 1.4 blocks per game, with a spectacular career-high five blocks coming in games against the Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks.
Not only does Cardoso's astute defensive intelligence allow her to stifle her opponents at the rim, but she also possesses a powerful rebounding presence that allowed her to snatch 7.9 rebounds per game. Combining these statistics with Reese's remarkable rebounding numbers presents a platform for the Sky front office to expand upon in the upcoming draft process.
Exciting potential on offense
Despite her expertise on defense, the sophomore center is far from a finished product when it comes to her offensive prowess. She averaged just 9.8 points per game during her rookie campaign. The dangerous guard duo of Chennedy Carter and Marina Mabrey took on a larger scoring load last season, which was able to alleviate some pressure on offense from the All-Rookie selection.
Even with a lower points tally, the 23-year-old has teased the Windy City fanbase with glimpses of phenomenal efficiency. She hit over 60% of her shots from the floor on a number of occasions in 2024. Still, she must become more consistent in the future to fulfill her limitless potential.
It is not just Cardoso's efficiency that could make her one of the most feared players in the WNBA; the young star must look to improve her decision-making in the paint. She assisted her teammates on just 1.7 occasions per game. The acquisition of Ariel Atkins in the off-season can provide Chicago with more flexibility on offense if the sophomore sensation could improve her vision when being double-teamed and when her teammates cut to the basket.
The Sky's 2024 3rd-overall draft pick has shown during her stint in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association that these aspirations are attainable. Cardoso will have fans intrigued after her time with the Shanghai Swordfish. She chalked up a stunning 20.3 points and 3.3 assists per game. The former South Carolina star was awarded International Player of the Year for her valiant efforts.