Are the Chicago Sky ready to take the next step in their rebuilding phase?
The Sky's recent attempts at pushing their chips in will be put to the test for the first time as the preseason kicks off on Friday. Chicago will take on the Brazilian National Team before moving on to square off against the Minnesota Lynx twice in four days. The Sky split their two preseason games last season with one loss to the Lynx and one blowout victory over the eventual champions in the New York Liberty.
Will the Sky's budding bigs be ready for the challenge?
The duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso can be the key to unlocking the Sky's potential on both sides of the ball. The two will need to be dynamic options across the floor to boost a Chicago offense in need of playmaking and scoring. Will Cardoso, a high-level center fresh off a stint in the Chinese WCBA, be ready to take on an increased role on her up-and-coming squad?
Kamilla Cardoso may be ready to be a top option with the Sky
Cardoso must be a focal point on both sides of the ball after showing she can be a leader during her time in the WCBA.
The 6-foot-7 center averaged an impressive double-double for a Shanghai Swordfish squad that made it to the league's quarterfinals. Her time in the WCBA seemed to help her take a few steps forward, which will be crucial in her growth into the frontcourt partner Reese needs at her side.
"I feel like I'm a totally different player than what I was last year," Cardoso said in a Monday conference. "I think that's coming together. Being out here and having the coaching staff, they helped me and told me to be confident in yourself, be aggressive out there and do you."
Working with Courtney Paris, who built up an incredible four-year career at Oklahoma, could also help every one of the Sky's bigs take their next leap forward.
"She's a legend," Cardoso said. "Just being able to help her as one of the coaches and help her help me, that's amazing for me and for all the other post players. I think she's doing a great job and I'm excited."
While she likely won't be a clear No. 1 option in 2025, getting Cardoso more involved in a free-flowing offense could be one of the final pieces the Sky need to become a more complete and competitive squad for years to come.