The Chicago Sky may not have attracted any of the bigger stars on the move this offseason but did make some significant changes to the roster. Most notably, the Sky decided not to re-sign Chennedy Carter but brought back Michaela Onyenwere and signed Courtney Vandersloot, Rebecca Allen, and Kia Nurse in free agency.
So far, the Sky do not look like one of the better teams in the league in the 2025 season, but that is okay. The team’s focus should still be on developing Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and whoever they end up selecting with the third overall pick in this year’s draft. Their time to make some noise in the playoffs will come soon enough.
Nevertheless, the Sky’s three big offseason additions will make an impact. The question is just which new player will make the biggest difference for the Sky this season.
Courtney Vandersloot will help the Sky develop Reese and Cardoso
Courtney Vandersloot is not completely new to the Chicago Sky. She played most of her career with the Sky between 2011 and 2022. After two seasons with the New York Liberty, she is back in Chicago and promises to be the offseason addition that will make the biggest difference for the team.
The reason for that is closely linked to Angel Reese and her development, as well as Kamilla Cardoso’s growth. After she established herself as the face of the franchise last season, it seems that the Sky will go as far as Reese can take them. So, putting her in the best position to continue developing and improving is the key to the Sky’s future.
Vandersloot has the potential to make a real difference in that area. Last season, the Sky did not have anyone close to the kind of playmaker and passer Vandersloot is. Lindsay Allen was good, averaging 3.9 assists per game, but the Sky still ranked second-last in assists per game in the 2024 season. Vandersloot will be able to direct the Sky’s offense at a much higher level and get Reese and Cardoso plenty of good looks.
Especially Reese needs these kinds of shots to improve her efficiency rather than having to force the ball up after a tough rebound or with defenders crowded around her.
In her last season with the Liberty, Vandersloot only averaged 4.8 assists per game in a reduced role. With the Sky, she will likely play much more than 22.3 minutes per game and get back to averaging between six and eight assists per game. Having that kind of selfless playmaker running the offense could work wonders for the Sky’s young players.
Reese is currently playing with Chelsea Gray in Unrivaled and benefitting widely from her presence. Vandersloot should have a similar effect with the Sky, helping Reese and Cardoso develop while the organization searches for its point guard of the future.