The Chicago Sky had another poor season last year. With player development and a good free agency period the Sky could be a force again.

The Chicago Sky had the third worst record in the league last year. They finished two games outside the playoffs and there is a good chance, with the right moves this offseason the Sky could become contenders soon.

This season the Sky will need to work hard to keep their core intact. Here is a list of players who are coming back for the Sky.

On contract

Alaina Coates – After waiting a full season after drafting her thanks to injury, Coates showed some glimpses of why she was thought of so highly. With a good field goal percentage and strong rebounding, Coates need to build on her rookie season.

Kahleah Copper – When I think of Copper’s season I think solid. She was solid from deep and from the line, nothing spectacular. Started two games, mainly due to injuries to others.

Diamond DeShields – By far the most intriguing and mysterious prospect in last seasons draft. DeShields delivered on her high draft position and will only get better in the coming years. She will take ownership of this team when the current leaders eventually retire.

Stefanie Dolson – When DeShields and Gabby Williams came into the team, the game plan changed. Dolson was the player whose role changed the most. Expect the game plan to change again under the new coach and Dolson will be tough to stop again.

Gabby Williams – When Williams was drafted, she was taken with the potential to be everything to a team. She delivered to an extent but has so much more to give. The growth of Williams is going to define the success of the Sky for years to come.

Free agents to be re-signed

The Sky have seven players who are off contract this season. Not all of them will be re-signed with the franchise looking to build some success. They have about $640,000 in salary cap space.

Cheyenne Parker – Had a tremendous season last year. Scored and rebounded the ball well. Contributed strongly to the team, mainly off the bench.

Allie Quigley – What can be said about one of the best 3-point shooters of all time that has not already been said. Now that she has married Courtney Vandersloot, it is unlikely that the pair will want to be separated this WNBA season.

Courtney Vandersloot – The Sky announced who they thought was the most important player off contract when they cored Vandersloot. This team is built around her ability to distribute the ball, They are at their best when she is in full flight.

Unlikely to be re-signed.

Jamierra Faulkner – Only played 17 games last season, the Sky is probably going to select a guard in the draft meaning that Faulkner will be the first player squeezed out.

Linnae Harper – Only played 140 minutes last season and is at the end of her rookie contract. It is highly unlikely that the new coach will offer Harper a spot on next season’s roster.

Alex Montgomery – Played even less minutes than Harper with only 120 logged for the whole season. Despite this, depending on coach Wade’s philosophy as Montgomery is a defensive specialist.

Astou Ndour – The Sky are pretty right at the center position going forward. Coates should take Ndour’s minutes.

The Sky need to be extremely aggressive in this free agency period. They have massive amounts of young talent and an older core steering the ship.

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