The Chicago Sky, led by Angel Reese, faced a tough loss against the Indiana Fever, with a final score of 79-52. However, the defeat wasn’t the only setback for the Sky that night. During the game, veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot suffered an injury and had to leave the court. Subsequent MRIs confirmed that Vandersloot had torn her ACL, ruling her out for the rest of the season.
An ACL tear is a devastating blow for any athlete, especially at Vandersloot’s age of 36. Despite not being the team’s top performer, Vandersloot’s contributions in points, assists, and rebounds will be sorely missed by the struggling Sky. With a disappointing start to the season, losing five out of their first seven games, Chicago now faces an uphill battle without Vandersloot.
In light of Vandersloot’s injury, the Sky will need to explore options to strengthen their roster. Here are three potential players that Angel Reese’s team could target to fill the void left by Vandersloot’s absence:
1) Chennedy Carter:
Carter had an impressive season with the Sky in 2024, averaging 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Despite her on-court talent, off-court issues may deter the Sky from pursuing Carter. The team already faces scrutiny from fans due to the treatment of Angel Reese, which could complicate a potential deal with Carter.
2) Haley Jones:
Jones, drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2023, has struggled to make an impact in the WNBA, averaging just 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds. However, her college performance showcases her potential, with averages of 13.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Jones’ playmaking abilities and defensive prowess could make her a valuable addition to the Sky roster, albeit with some risk given her previous WNBA performance.
3) Aari McDonald:
McDonald recently signed a hardship contract with the Indiana Fever and has impressed with her defensive skills and ability to elevate her teammates. With the potential return of injured players on the Fever roster, McDonald may become available as a free agent. Keeping a close eye on McDonald’s situation could benefit the Sky in strengthening their guard position.
As the Chicago Sky navigate through the challenges of losing Courtney Vandersloot to injury, strategic player acquisitions could be the key to turning their season around. With the right additions, Angel Reese’s team may find the depth and talent needed to compete at a higher level in the WNBA.
