The Sky have to sign Aari McDonald

In recent years, the Chicago Sky have enjoyed some superb backcourt talent.

Courtney Vandersloot, the ultimate facilitator. Her wife Allie Quigley, the 3-point sharpshooter whose No. 14 jersey will be retired on July 9 after she recently announced her official retirement from the WNBA. Kahleah Copper, the speedy and shifty 2021 WNBA Finals MVP. Chennedy Carter, the Hollywood spark. Each of those players provided tone-setting play.

Now with Vandersloot out for the season due to an ACL injury sustained against the Indiana Fever on June 7, the Sky desperately need someone to fill the spot. That someone could be now-former Fever guard Aari McDonald.

On Friday, Indiana released McDonald due to the forthcoming returns of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham from recent injuries.

So, McDonald is in search of a new team, and here is where the Sky comes into the picture.

In addition to Vandersloot, guard Moriah Jefferson is out battling a leg injury. Thus leaving the Chicago backcourt depleted of depth. Given their current status, the Sky would be wise to try to make an attempt at snatching the talents of McDonald.

McDonald has been in the league since 2021, drafted by the Atlanta Dream as the No. 3 overall pick after playing one college season at Washington and three at Arizona. McDonald played for the Dream from 2021 to 2023. Last year, she had a stint with the Los Angeles Sparks, but was waived by LA before this season, making her available for Indiana to sign when their injury issues emerged.

In terms of skills, McDonald brings plenty of things to the table. Apart from being a fresh-and-ready-to-go point guard, she can score, play pressure defense and has good handles. While on the hardship contract with Indy, McDonald averaged 11 points, three assists and two steals per game.

Her two most recent breakout performances came against the Sky and the Dream. McDonald scored 12 points and shot 50 percent from the field and 3-point line in the 79-52 win over the Sky at the United Center, the same game where Vandersloot tore her ACL. On June 10, she scored 14 points and shot 50 percent in a 77-58 loss to the Dream.

On the defensive side of the ball, McDonald would be an asset alongside the Sky’s top defenders, such as Ariel Atkins. They could pressure the opponent into playing faster and generate more steals in the process with on-ball pressure. In the United Center game against the Sky, McDonald had three steals to her name. Furthermore, she can help bolster the Sky’s defensive efficiency, as they are currently ranked 11th in the league.

Speaking of efficiency, the same holds true on the opposite side of the ball. McDonald’s fast-paced play would be beneficial in creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.

Her quickness enables her to bypass defenders for points in the paint. In the process, McDonald could draw the defense in, potentially drawing a double team, and in turn could dish the ball to the likes of Angel Reese or Kamilla Cardoso inside for the easy buckets. She could certainly kick it out to the perimeter and find Atkins, Rachel Banham, Rebecca Allen or Kia Nurse open for the jumper.

To sum it up, the Sky would benefit immensely from her.

On Friday, Chicago suffered their third-consecutive loss, falling to the Atlanta Dream by a score of 88-70.

They have a tight schedule coming up, beginning on Sunday on the road against the Connecticut Sun and then back home to take on the Washington Mystics on Tuesday. Then, its back-to-back games on Saturday, June 21 against the Phoenix Mercury at home before going back to Atlanta for a rematch with the Dream.

The Sky is cloudy, but with McDonald added to the mix, things could start to become clearer in Chicago.