How the addition of Candace Parker has lifted the sky into title contenders.
By: Zachary Burzawa
Twitter: @Burzawazach
Twitter: @DunkProdudtions
April 12th, 2021
With one of the biggest free agency signings in WNBA history. Candace Parker is headed back home in hopes the 2020 defensive player of the year can lead the sky to their first-ever championship. The expectations for the sky are now higher than ever with the addition of the two-time league MVP and the 2018 finals MVP. The Chicago Sky already had a very solid roster led by all WNBA first-teamer Courtney Vandersloot who averaged 13.6 (PPG) and a league-best 10.0 (APG). Parker will also join Allie Quigley who averaged 15.2 (PPG) and Diamond DeShields a WNBA all-star selection. With this big four and a surplus of depth, the roster is one of the best in the league right now when healthy.
Pictured above are Allie Quigley, Candace Parker, Diamond Deshields, and Courtney Vandersloot.
What Are the Expectations Coming Into The 2021 Season?
Last season in the bubble was rather disappointing for the Sky, although they finished 1st in the eastern conference with a 12-10 record, they were the 6th best team in the entire league. How the WNBA works is the top 8 overall teams make the playoffs. The sky ended up getting bounced in the first round by Connecticut, but just playoffs are no longer the expectation for the sky, championships are. In 2020 the Chicago Sky were one of the worst defensive teams ranking 8th (102.7 DEF RTG) in the league. With the addition of the defensive player of the year, one could only imagine the team will be more defensively sound compared to years before. The sky has no trouble putting the ball in the basket being in 4thlast year in total offense (105.7 OFF RTG). With injuries last year, the Sky saw an early first-round exit. If this roster can stay healthy, they have arguably two of the top 5 players in the league in Parker and Vandersloot, and 6 players who average double figures in scoring last season. It is safe to say that the Chicago Sky is one of the elite teams coming into the 2021 season.
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