Grading Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso’s 1st half of 2024 WNBA season

Former South Carolina women’s basketball center Kamilla Cardoso began her professional career with great expectations. The Chicago Sky chose Cardoso with the third overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Despite a slow start due to injury, Cardoso is gradually finding her rhythm with the team. Has her performance with the Sky in the early part of the season received a favorable evaluation?

Cardoso made her debut for the Sky against the Minnesota Lynx in a preseason game on May 3. Despite scoring six points and securing four rebounds in just 13 minutes, a shoulder injury forced her out. This injury caused Cardoso to miss several weeks and the start of the regular season. However, she returned in the game against the Indiana Fever on June 4, where she contributed 11 points and six rebounds. Cardoso has since shown improvement and has garnered praise from head coach Teresa Weatherspoon.

After 18 games into the 2024 season, the 6-foot-7 center is averaging 8.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. While she may not be achieving double-doubles as frequently as her fellow rookie Angel Reese, Cardoso is on a solid path.

Kamilla Cardoso Shows Promise

Grade: B

Cardoso has yet to exhibit the dominance she had in college, but there is room for growth. She showcased her talent during her senior year at South Carolina, achieving career-high averages of 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, shooting 59 percent from the field, and 1.5 blocks.

Cardoso played a key role in leading the 2023-24 Gamecocks to an undefeated season and a national championship victory. Although the Sky hasn’t enjoyed the same success in Cardoso’s rookie season, she has contributed enough to keep Chicago in the eighth spot in the WNBA standings. As a result, she earns a B grade for her performance in the first half of the season.

Weatherspoon has observed Cardoso’s growth and confidently predicts a bright future for the rookie.

“She is going to be one of the greats in this league. She will be remembered as one of the best bigs to play the game. You can count on that… She’s coachable and will only get better,” Weatherspoon stated after a practice on July 9.

With improved efficiency and stronger defense, Cardoso has the potential to live up to Weatherspoon’s expectations.

Cardoso and the Sky Aim to Progress

Weatherspoon highlighted the next steps in Cardoso’s development ahead of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Break.

“She’s getting the opportunities. Now it’s about finishing,” Weatherspoon remarked before the Sky’s game against the Storm on July 7. “It’s about positioning yourself, getting to the right spots, and executing. It’s about power and strength under the basket, given the challenges post players face today. Establishing your position, finding your balance, and finishing with strength.”

Cardoso maintains a field goal percentage of 46.2% in the first half of the season. While she gets good looks near the basket, finishing can be a struggle at times due to the tough competition she encounters. Cardoso has faced off against WNBA MVPs like Nneka Ogwumike, Tina Charles, and former All-Stars such as Jonquel Jones.

As time progresses, Cardoso’s impact on the Sky is expected to grow. She and her team strive to improve against strong professional opponents.