The Chicago Sky will be missing rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Brynna Maxwell at the start of the regular season due to injuries. Cardoso, the No. 3 pick in the WNBA Draft, suffered a shoulder injury that will require her to be reevaluated in four-to-six weeks. This means she will likely miss at least the rest of the month. Maxwell, a second-round pick out of Gonzaga, will be reevaluated in three-to-four weeks after suffering a knee injury.
In addition to Cardoso and Maxwell, the Sky are also without forward Taya Reimer, who is dealing with a concussion, and forward Isabelle Harrison, who has been struggling with a knee injury. Reimer will not be playing in the team’s upcoming game against the New York Liberty, while Harrison is listed as questionable. These injuries have put a strain on the Sky’s roster as they prepare to kick off their season on May 15 against Dallas.
The absence of Cardoso and Maxwell will require the Sky to adjust their lineup and rotations as they navigate the early part of the season. Cardoso’s presence in the frontcourt was expected to provide a boost to the team’s interior defense and rebounding, while Maxwell’s scoring ability was going to add depth to the guard position. Without them, the Sky will need other players to step up and fill the void left by the rookies’ injuries.
Despite the setbacks, the Sky will have to rely on their depth and experienced players to help guide them through the early part of the season. With veterans like Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, and Kahleah Copper leading the way, the team will look to weather the storm and remain competitive until Cardoso and Maxwell are able to return to action. The Sky will need strong performances from their core players to stay competitive in the highly competitive WNBA.
The Sky’s first game against the Indiana Fever, led by standout rookie Caitlin Clark, is scheduled for June 1. The team will be looking to get off to a strong start to the season despite the absence of Cardoso and Maxwell. This will be a critical period for the Sky as they aim to establish themselves as contenders in the league and build momentum for a successful season ahead. The team’s ability to overcome these early challenges will be a key factor in their success this year.
