Selecting top talent in the WNBA draft is a complex process that goes beyond simply drafting a player and expecting success to follow. It requires investment, team building, and staff building to realize the vision for future seasons alongside those draft picks.
Recent first-round picks in the WNBA have shown the importance of strategic player selection. Teams like the Indiana Fever have successfully added players like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark to complement their existing stars. The Atlanta Dream, for example, selected Rhyne Howard in 2022 and have since become competitive in the postseason.
Looking at past top picks in the league, teams like the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty have capitalized on their lottery picks, showcasing positive development. In 2024, the Chicago Sky invested in building around Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, leading to a near postseason experience.
Despite on-court successes, the decision to fire coach Teresa Weatherspoon raised eyebrows in the WNBA community. The Sky’s season showcased promising performances from players like Reese and Cardoso, highlighting their potential for the future.
Chicago’s focus moving forward will be on improving their shooting, a key area where they struggled in the 2024 season. With opportunities in free agency and the potential for growth from young players like Reese and Cardoso, the Sky aim to address this weakness.
To achieve their goals, the Sky made changes in their coaching staff, bringing in Tyler Marsh to lead the team. Marsh’s emphasis on developing players’ skills and creating a culture of selflessness aligns with Chicago’s vision for the upcoming season.
