GSV Expansion Draft Prediction: Chicago Sky
Sky's the limit
The primary index for the whole Expansion Draft Series is here.
Fansided: Diamond DeShields
Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter are the foundation for Chicago, and they're not going anywhere. Beyond that, there aren't a ton of names that jump out. DeShields, however, could be a sneaky buy-low: She was once a double-digit scorer before being waylaid by injuries, and she could be available after scoring just 4.5 points per game last season.
SI.com: Dana Evans
Apply all of the same logic we used with NaLyssa Smith to Dana Evans. It appears that she wants out of Chicago after losing her starting job this season (which will likely make the Sky not protect her) and she is still young and talented enough that she'd be appealing for Golden State. It's a win-win for everyone.
The Ringer: Michaela Onyenwere
Sohi: Got it. Do you think the Sky are going to protect Chennedy Carter?
Merchant: I think you have to, right? Like, what are you doing in building your team if you’re not protecting Chennedy Carter?
Sohi: Well, what are they doing?
Merchant: (laughing) The larger question, yeah.
Sohi: Yeah, I guess, like, even if they aren’t going to bring her back, they could protect her and, you know, try to… because they have her as a restricted free agent, right? So you can get some value out of that at the very least.
Merchant: Yeah, that one’s… I’m curious. That one’s interesting.
Sohi: That one’s interesting.
Merchant: I would also go with Michaela Onyenwere if they decide to protect Carter.
Sohi: Could go Isabelle Harrison, but I kind of like Onyenwere on a young team.
Valhalla.Basketball (very detailed analysis at site):
If the Sky protect Chennedy Carter and the expected five out of six players under contract with the team, it could leave the Valkyries with very uncertain value from the options that they have left so they would certainly be hoping that Lindsay Allen or Rachel Banham are left available. Michaela Onyenwere would be a reasonable pick as there would be some expectation that she could be retained without taking too much of the salary cap. Dana Evans could be picked and given the chance to prove herself at the qualifying offer amount, but also could ultimately end up being an unrestricted free agent and not need to be picked before that. Nikolina Milic could certainly contribute if she returns to the league, but it is not clear whether that will happen so picking her could end up not being beneficial at all.
Seems a lot of these choices will depend on whether the V’s are filling specific positions on their roster or just taking the best possible players. For example, on the liberty, Burke is a good defender and is a UFA. Sabally, usually the second substitution is a very good, much better player. But if the V’s already have several people covering her position, then they might go for the defender. On the other hand, if they needed a point guard Sloot, although she is getting quite old, might be the best choice. This would be impossible for us to figure out in advance. Right?
Great series, now I can be disappointed on Draft day that they didn't get the players I wanted!
Diamond was an important player in the Sky's championship run a few years ago, but looked like she was slowed down by injuries this past year. She could be one of those players that does better with good teammates, but that would suggest she isn't going to look great on the V's.
Dana always seemed to me to be a bit too small to be a high level starter, and was disgruntled that she moved to the bench. So, if you are pretty she's your starting PG, then maybe there is value there.
Michela seems solid, but hasn't been a starter that much after a few years in the league, so not sure if that is already her ceiling.