Sky risk costly mistake if they opt to pass on Angel Reese’s ideal partner

Defining the Chicago Sky’s vision for the franchise has been difficult recently. From drafting emerging stars in Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in 2024 to trading away the third overall pick of the 2025 WNBA draft to the Washington Mystics in exchange for the services of Ariel Atkins. Now, with the opportunity to select fifth overall in the 2026 draft, the Sky cannot continue to fumble their future. Drafting Spanish starlet Iyana Martin would show a younger direction of travel for the team.

At some point, Chicago is going to have to pick a lane and stay in it. Over the past two seasons — albeit under two different coaches — the Sky have failed to find a consistent role for Angel Reese. The 23-year-old star has been asked to carry a heavy burden on both sides of the ball, which has piled unnecessary pressure on the shoulders of a player who is still developing her skill set.

As the 2025 season progressed, Tyler Marsh opted to utilise Reese as a ‘point-forward’ in the absence of the injured Courtney Vandersloot — a role that did provide positive results. Nevertheless, the LSU alum is at her most dangerous when she’s attacking the boards and dominating the paint. Providing Reese with an energetic partner in crime who will share the offensive load would benefit both the player and the team.

Iyana Martin could be a game-changer in Chicago

Spanish talent seems to be the talk of the town these days. Valencia’s Awa Fam is projected by many draft analysts to be acquired by the Dallas Wings as the first overall pick, but she is not the only overseas prospect who appears ready to make an impact in the WNBA. Iyana Martin is a prospect who is making waves at both the domestic and international levels.

Martin is an all-action point guard who loves to be heavily involved in offensive proceedings. Her energy, pace, and dynamism have established her as one of the most exciting up-and-coming European stars. Chicago has lacked inspiration and excitement in their previous campaign; the feel around the franchise is that they need a shift in direction, and Martin can certainly bring that.

At 20 years of age, Iyana Martin has already proven to be a fearless competitor who combines perfectly with a physical frontcourt presence — which would complement Angel Reese’s attributes superbly. Martin’s execution in pick-and-roll actions has proven to be a useful tactic for her current employers, Perfumerías Avenida, at EuroCup level. Martin has averaged 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and five assists this season in the European competition.

Standing at five feet and eight inches, Martin does not possess the attributes of a guard who can contribute in rebounding, like LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson may be able to, but given Reese’s elite board presence, this would not be a hindrance to the Sky. In fact, it would allow the young guard to concentrate on attacking in transition and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.

The young Spaniard is far from the complete product. Martin still possesses inconsistencies in her three-point shooting ability as she averaged 32.6% from deep in this season’s EuroCup campaign — an area that was prioritised heavily by the Chicago Sky in Tyler Marsh’s first year as head coach. However, given her young age, there will be plenty of room for the head coach to fine-tune her shooting form.

Chicago must start selecting wisely when it comes to the WNBA draft process. With young stars like Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Hailey Van Lith on their roster, there is still potential for a bright future. Nevertheless, they must build upon these foundations in the correct manner, and selecting Iyana Martin would go a long way in continuing this process.