Key Takeaways:
– Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago Sky’s top draft picks, made their debut at a preseason game in Minnesota.
– Despite mixed results, the duo displayed their potential with a highlighted scoring play.
– NBA star Dwyane Wade, a partial owner of the Chicago Sky, excitedly teases this is “Just the beginning!”
– The Chicago Sky are looking towards a resurgence with the potential of new faces like Reese and Cardoso.
Chicago Sky’s Top Draft Picks Debut
The future of Chicago Sky shines a bit brighter, courtesy of fresh talent Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The two rookies made their first appearance together for the Sky at a preseason game in Minnesota. Though the debut seemed challenging with a rough start and a fall, the pair showcased their potential, particularly through a striking scoring play gaining attention online.
This was the first time for Reese and Cardoso to team up after have spent the past two years opposing each other on the court in SEC games. The Sky lifted these valuable players from their former teams; Cardoso was a star player for South Carolina, while Reese led the charge for LSU. Their newfound chemistry was evident when Reese set up Cardoso to score during their first game, sparking excitement and prospects of a bright future.
The Exciting New Pairing
Reese took the center stage as she was handed the starting call for the Sky. During her first 24 minutes on the floor, she scored 13 points, snatched nine rebounds, performed two steals, and even blocked a shot. Despite struggling with her shooting, her free-throw line performance was commendable, managing a 9-for-10 record.
Cardoso, although starting from the bench, scored six points with 3-for-5 shooting. This included the finish on Reese’s pass that led to the highlighted scoring play. Unfortunately, a hard fall on her shoulder kept her off the court for the second half. Regardless, Minnesota coach Teresa Witherspoon, made clear that the nature of Cardoso’s injury is not severe.
Emerging from the Shadows: Chicago Sky’s Rebuilding Phase
Chicago Sky enter a new era with Reese and Cardoso leading the way. Following a turbulent year which included the departure of coach and general manager James Wade, the Sky now has Teresa Witherspoon at the helm. Witherspoon used to be part of the coaching staff for the New Orleans Pelicans, an NBA franchise.
With their miraculous run to the WNBA Championship back in 2021 serving as a reminder of their previous prowess, the Sky are looking to make a similar surge with Reese and Cardoso at the core. This strategic approach led them to trade away three-time All-Star Kahleah Copper, providing room to develop and nurture their newest mebers.
An Exciting Future Awaits
Angel Reese’s entrance into the starting lineup ahead of Cardoso doesn’t come as a surprise owing to her collegiate success and potential as a pro player. Cardoso, though considered a long-term project, is an exciting prospect with her 6-foot-7 stature being her most captivating attribute.
The debut of these rookies has undoubtedly infused a fresh wave of excitement and potential in the direction of the Chicago Sky. With the support of NBA legend and part-owner of the Sky, Dwyane Wade, the future looks promising. “Just the beginning!” Wade excitedly shared on Twitter after the rookies’ first game, a statement that perfectly encapsulates the exciting journey ahead for Chicago Sky.