Key Takeaways:
1. Kamilla Cardoso will miss 4-6 weeks of the WNBA season due to a shoulder injury.
2. Brynna Maxwell, another rookie of the Chicago Sky, is also set to miss 3-4 weeks with a knee injury.
3. Despite setbacks, the Chicago Sky remain positive and are dedicated to players’ health prioritization.
4. The second WNBA preseason game involving the Chicago Sky is set to air after public outcry over the non-telecast of the opener.
Chicago Sky Rookies Face Early Season Injuries
A week before the 2024 WNBA opening night, Chicago Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso and Brynna Maxwell face injuries that will see them miss several weeks of the coming season. Cardoso suffered a shoulder injury during a training camp on Monday, while Maxwell sustains a knee injury. This setback comes as unwelcome news for Cardoso, the Sky’s No. 3 pick, who made headlines in an undefeated championship season with South Carolina.
Significant Loss for The Team
Standing at 6-foot-7, Cardoso was set to work her way into the starting five of the Chicago Sky team during her rookie season. Expected to be benched for at least the first eight games due to her recent shoulder injury, Cardoso’s absence could pose a significant challenge for the Chicago Sky and their coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon has previously talked about the challenge of finding ways to combine the games of Cardoso and fellow rookie Angel Reese, the expected starter.
Speaking about Cardoso’s and Reese’s work ethic and competitive spirit, Weatherspoon expressed confidence in their ability to adapt and improve. She cited their winning mindset and excellent coaching backgrounds as positive indicators of their potential.
Injury Details Still Unknown
While discussing the injuries, Coach Weatherspoon did not delve into specifics. She reassured fans that both players are working diligently to recover and regain their fitness. The focus lies in taking care of each player, prioritizing health amidst a long season.
Veteran players and rookies alike are rallying, determined to turn this setback into motivation for the upcoming season.
Telecast News Lifts Fans’ Spirits
On a brighter note for Chicago Sky’s fans, the decision to air the team’s second WNBA preseason game came following public outrage over the non-telecast of the preseason opener against Minnesota. Despite not being televised, the opener managed to attract over half a million viewers on a fan’ livestream.
Chicago Sky will face New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena, a showdown that will feature on the WNBA League Pass, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Reacting to the change, Coach Weatherspoon said, “it’s a deserving thing for them [the team] to be seen”. She expressed happiness, not just for the team to be seen, but also to play basketball as they love, allowing the rest of the world to join in watching their journey.
As the team pushes through these early setbacks, the 2024 WNBA season will undoubtedly be a testing period for Coach Weatherspoon and her squad. How they cope with the temporary loss of key players like Cardoso and Maxwell, and the adaptability of the rest of the team, will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.