The Chicago Sky are the WNBA’s most confusing team
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 5: Azura Stevens #23 of the Los Angeles Sparks shoots the ball before a game between Los Angeles Sparks and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on September 5, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
Stevens is a very talented forward who took on a starter role for the Sparks during a rebuilding era, and will now head back to Chicago. Stevens was part of the 2021 Sky Championship squad, but things look a lot different in Chicago these days, and Stevens is now a veteran player in her return.
Breaking: Azurá Stevens has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Chicago Sky, sources told ESPN.
The 6-foot-6 forward is coming off a career year with the Sparks, where she averaged 12.8 PPG, 38.1% 3PT, 8.0 RPG and 2.1 APG, finishing second in MIP voting pic.twitter.com/sdobPHHgI2
First of all, Azura, get your bag. The grade isn’t about that. It’s more about the confusion in the way the Chicago Sky are moving. Are you tanking, or are you trying to be competitive? Signing veterans like Skylar Diggins and Stevens appear to be win-now moves, but Angel Reese was just traded away. You appear set to give up Ariel Atkins in a presumed trade, who is a player you traded away the No. 3 pick in 2025 (Sonia Citron) for. Getting back Rickea Jackson (reportedly) would be a good move. Yet, just today, the Sky traded away their 2028 first-round pick for Jacy Sheldon… make it make sense?
The Sky are currently tied for the second-worst odds to win the WNBA Championship in 2026. They also gave the Mystics the right to swap first-round picks with them in 2027, and now outright gave them their 2028 pick.
This is more a grade on the Sky’s choices than Azura as a prospect. She raises their level of play substantially and will be an excellent floor spacer around Kamilla Cardoso. The fact that she’s on a three-year deal probably impacts the overall money she will make, but that also locks her in to another rebuilding team for three years. Overall this has just been a strange offseason for the Sky, so it’s hard to give this move too high of marks.
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 5: Azura Stevens #23 of the Los Angeles Sparks shoots the ball before a game between Los Angeles Sparks and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on September 5, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
When Nneka Ogwumike committed to go back to the LA Sparks, it was clear Azura Stevens was likely heading out the door.
Stevens is a very talented forward who took on a starter role for the Sparks during a rebuilding era, and will now head back to Chicago. Stevens was part of the 2021 Sky Championship squad, but things look a lot different in Chicago these days, and Stevens is now a veteran player in her return.
Breaking: Azurá Stevens has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Chicago Sky, sources told ESPN. The 6-foot-6 forward is coming off a career year with the Sparks, where she averaged 12.8 PPG, 38.1% 3PT, 8.0 RPG and 2.1 APG, finishing second in MIP voting pic.twitter.com/sdobPHHgI2
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 11, 2026
Grading Azura Stevens to the Chicago Sky: C
First of all, Azura, get your bag. The grade isn’t about that. It’s more about the confusion in the way the Chicago Sky are moving. Are you tanking, or are you trying to be competitive? Signing veterans like Skylar Diggins and Stevens appear to be win-now moves, but Angel Reese was just traded away. You appear set to give up Ariel Atkins in a presumed trade, who is a player you traded away the No. 3 pick in 2025 (Sonia Citron) for. Getting back Rickea Jackson (reportedly) would be a good move. Yet, just today, the Sky traded away their 2028 first-round pick for Jacy Sheldon… make it make sense?
The Sky are currently tied for the second-worst odds to win the WNBA Championship in 2026. They also gave the Mystics the right to swap first-round picks with them in 2027, and now outright gave them their 2028 pick.
This is more a grade on the Sky’s choices than Azura as a prospect. She raises their level of play substantially and will be an excellent floor spacer around Kamilla Cardoso. The fact that she’s on a three-year deal probably impacts the overall money she will make, but that also locks her in to another rebuilding team for three years. Overall this has just been a strange offseason for the Sky, so it’s hard to give this move too high of marks.
Vijay Dahiya, the Gujarat Titans assistant coach said he wasn’t overtly worried about his team’s slow start to the season. “We played three matches and lost two. But we were in the game in all those matches. The nature of the format is such that we may win or lose close games. We take positives from every game and the key to success is executing the plans on the field,’’ he said.
Vijay Dahiya, the Gujarat Titans assistant coach said he wasn’t overtly worried about his team’s slow start to the season. “We played three matches and lost two. But we were in the game in all those matches. The nature of the format is such that we may win or lose close games. We take positives from every game and the key to success is executing the plans on the field,’’ he said.
Published on Apr 11, 2026
#bowling #unit #outstanding #LSG #assistant #coach #Klusener">Our bowling unit has been outstanding: LSG assistant coach Klusener
Winning on the road is special, but it is victories at home that set the template for a good season.
Lucknow Super Giants assistant coach Lance Klusener is well aware of his team’s poor record at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The former South African all-rounder said they wanted to win for the fans who have come in large numbers to support the team.
“We come into this match with a lot of confidence after winning tough matches on the road. We would like to get off the mark at home and win it for the fans who have been supporting us,’’ he said.
Klusener credited the bowlers for his side’s away wins and said he wasn’t worried about the low returns from a few batter in the explosive batting lineup.
“We won the matches by chasing but I think the whole bowling unit has been outstanding. We have quite a few sleeping giants in our batting lineup. But they can wake up at the right time. It is a long competition and they will deliver,’’ he said.
Vijay Dahiya, the Gujarat Titans assistant coach said he wasn’t overtly worried about his team’s slow start to the season. “We played three matches and lost two. But we were in the game in all those matches. The nature of the format is such that we may win or lose close games. We take positives from every game and the key to success is executing the plans on the field,’’ he said.
#Deadspin #Dream #resign #Rhyne #Howard">Deadspin | Dream re-sign G Rhyne Howard, four others
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) reacts after making a late three point shot against the Indiana Fever during the second half during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Dream re-signed guard Rhyne Howard and four other players, the team announced on Saturday.
The Dream also signed Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Naz Hillmon and Jordin Canada.
“This is a group that believes in Atlanta, believes in each other and is united in the pursuit of a championship,” Dream general manager Dan Padover said in a statement. “Allisha, Brionna, Jordin, Naz and Rhyne represent the standard we are building here in Atlanta; talented, unselfish and fully committed to winning. Their decision to continue building together, in this city and with each other, speaks to their belief in our vision and culture — one built to win, with great players and even better people.”
Said Dream coach Karl Smesko: “These players have established the standard for Atlanta Dream basketball. Their work ethic, competitiveness and belief in one another drive everything we do. We’re excited to continue building with this group.”
These signings come on the heels of Atlanta acquiring two-time All-Star Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky on Monday.
Howard, 25, averaged 17.5 points, 4.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game last season. She was the top overall pick of the 2022 WNBA Draft.
The Dream will open its season May 10 at the Minnesota Lynx.
“So, in the academy, we are trying these things out. I think Ayush is an example. He’s showing the right improvement in that aspect. I would give a lot of credit to both these coaches, Sagar and Irwansyah for Ayush’s success. But again it is just a start. I feel he has a long way to go.”
Asked if Ayush currently has the best attack, Vimal said: “I would say Lin Chun-Li has the best attack but Ayush also has an equally better attack. Because he is also like Viktor Axelsen.
“When I sent him a couple of years back to Dubai to practise, Viktor messaged me saying that he reminds him of his younger days. So Ayush also learned a lot over there in that two weeks.
“Ayush’s attack is something very similar to the attack of Viktor because he is also tall.”
“So, in the academy, we are trying these things out. I think Ayush is an example. He’s showing the right improvement in that aspect. I would give a lot of credit to both these coaches, Sagar and Irwansyah for Ayush’s success. But again it is just a start. I feel he has a long way to go.”
Asked if Ayush currently has the best attack, Vimal said: “I would say Lin Chun-Li has the best attack but Ayush also has an equally better attack. Because he is also like Viktor Axelsen.
“When I sent him a couple of years back to Dubai to practise, Viktor messaged me saying that he reminds him of his younger days. So Ayush also learned a lot over there in that two weeks.
“Ayush’s attack is something very similar to the attack of Viktor because he is also tall.”
Published on Apr 11, 2026
#Ayush #Shetty #reminded #Viktor #Axelsen #younger #days #Vimal #Kumar">Ayush Shetty reminded Viktor Axelsen of his younger days: Vimal Kumar
Elated with his ward Ayush Shetty becoming the first Indian men’s singles player after Dinesh Khanna (1965) to reach the final of the continental showpiece, former India chief coach Vimal Kumar said a collaborative coaching approach has aided the youngster’s rise.
“At the academy, he works under Sagar Chopra, our head coach. What we have done is we have also taken Irwansyah’s [Adi Pratama] help. He has also been helping him in the last two weeks. I think that combination is really working well for Ayush,” he said.
“This is something every coach must realise and understand. I don’t want any coach to think that they can handle a player from cradle to grave. That’s not the right way of thinking.
“So, in the academy, we are trying these things out. I think Ayush is an example. He’s showing the right improvement in that aspect. I would give a lot of credit to both these coaches, Sagar and Irwansyah for Ayush’s success. But again it is just a start. I feel he has a long way to go.”
Asked if Ayush currently has the best attack, Vimal said: “I would say Lin Chun-Li has the best attack but Ayush also has an equally better attack. Because he is also like Viktor Axelsen.
“When I sent him a couple of years back to Dubai to practise, Viktor messaged me saying that he reminds him of his younger days. So Ayush also learned a lot over there in that two weeks.
“Ayush’s attack is something very similar to the attack of Viktor because he is also tall.”
![Ayush Shetty reminded Viktor Axelsen of his younger days: Vimal Kumar Elated with his ward Ayush Shetty becoming the first Indian men’s singles player after Dinesh Khanna (1965) to reach the final of the continental showpiece, former India chief coach Vimal Kumar said a collaborative coaching approach has aided the youngster’s rise.“At the academy, he works under Sagar Chopra, our head coach. What we have done is we have also taken Irwansyah’s [Adi Pratama] help. He has also been helping him in the last two weeks. I think that combination is really working well for Ayush,” he said.“This is something every coach must realise and understand. I don’t want any coach to think that they can handle a player from cradle to grave. That’s not the right way of thinking.ALSO READ | Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 Vitidsarn at Badminton Asia Championships 2026“So, in the academy, we are trying these things out. I think Ayush is an example. He’s showing the right improvement in that aspect. I would give a lot of credit to both these coaches, Sagar and Irwansyah for Ayush’s success. But again it is just a start. I feel he has a long way to go.”Asked if Ayush currently has the best attack, Vimal said: “I would say Lin Chun-Li has the best attack but Ayush also has an equally better attack. Because he is also like Viktor Axelsen.“When I sent him a couple of years back to Dubai to practise, Viktor messaged me saying that he reminds him of his younger days. So Ayush also learned a lot over there in that two weeks.“Ayush’s attack is something very similar to the attack of Viktor because he is also tall.”Published on Apr 11, 2026 #Ayush #Shetty #reminded #Viktor #Axelsen #younger #days #Vimal #Kumar](https://i2.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/opmooz/article70850888.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/Lead%20image%2011.png?ssl=1 "Ayush Shetty reminded Viktor Axelsen of his younger days: Vimal Kumar Elated with his ward Ayush Shetty becoming the first Indian men’s singles player after Dinesh Khanna (1965) to reach the final of the continental showpiece, former India chief coach Vimal Kumar said a collaborative coaching approach has aided the youngster’s rise.“At the academy, he works under Sagar Chopra, our head coach. What we have done is we have also taken Irwansyah’s [Adi Pratama] help. He has also been helping him in the last two weeks. I think that combination is really working well for Ayush,” he said.“This is something every coach must realise and understand. I don’t want any coach to think that they can handle a player from cradle to grave. That’s not the right way of thinking.ALSO READ | Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 Vitidsarn at Badminton Asia Championships 2026“So, in the academy, we are trying these things out. I think Ayush is an example. He’s showing the right improvement in that aspect. I would give a lot of credit to both these coaches, Sagar and Irwansyah for Ayush’s success. But again it is just a start. I feel he has a long way to go.”Asked if Ayush currently has the best attack, Vimal said: “I would say Lin Chun-Li has the best attack but Ayush also has an equally better attack. Because he is also like Viktor Axelsen.“When I sent him a couple of years back to Dubai to practise, Viktor messaged me saying that he reminds him of his younger days. So Ayush also learned a lot over there in that two weeks.“Ayush’s attack is something very similar to the attack of Viktor because he is also tall.”Published on Apr 11, 2026 #Ayush #Shetty #reminded #Viktor #Axelsen #younger #days #Vimal #Kumar")
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