How impactful can the Chicago Sky's backcourt be in the 2025 WNBA season?
Nurse was one of a few new guard additions who could add to the Sky's offense following the departure of Chennedy Carter. Chicago added Ariel Atkins, who could solve some of the Sky's more immediate scoring issues with her multi-level shooting. Rebecca Allen, a decade-long WNBA veteran with a handful of teams, can add some more consistent shooting from the perimeter after finishing last season at just under 36% from the 3-point line.
The Sky added Kia Nurse, who played in 40 games and started in 27 for the Los Angeles Sparks last season. The former UConn guard took top-10 spots on Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball's 2025 leaderboard with a new teammate in center Elizabeth Williams. She suited up in 40 games and stared in 27 for the Sparks, where she averaged 7.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. How can the 6-foot guard fit into the Sky's lineup next season?
Kia Nurse's scoring can make her the perfect spark plug for the Sky
Nurse's willingness to take tough shots may be just what the Sky need to boost their offense in 2025.
Her confidence from pullup jumpshots and attempts off the fastbreak will make her a fun addition to Chicago's new-look lineup. While she could up her efficiency after hitting just under 39% of her attempts last season, her ability to hit shots from all across the floor can make her a fantastic spark plug if she comes off the bench. Her size and versatility could only add to her potential on the court, a point Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca brought up in a February release.
Like a few of Chicago's newest additions, Nurse can work well off a passing big who can get her open opportunities from long range. She was assisted the most last season by Dearica Hamby, who averaged a career-high 3.5 assists per game in her second year with the Sparks. She also worked well with Brittney Griner on the Phoenix Mercury in 2021. Griner was one of Nurse's top assist partners that year, which stemmed from Nurse's ability to get open off the ball.
If Nurse can build up the same cohesiveness she has with her bigs in the past, she can be a fantastic pairing on offense alongside Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, who will look to continue adding to their offense in their second seasons with the Sky.