### Chicago Sky Bolster Roster with Strategic Moves in 2025 WNBA Draft The Chicago Sky have made significant strides in their roster development ahead of the 2025 WNBA season. Following a strategic trade with the Minnesota Lynx, the Sky acquired an additional first-round pick, allowing them to select two players in the top 11 of the draft. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance their team, which already includes promising talents like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, both selected in previous drafts. The Sky's focus on building a competitive team is evident as they aim to return to postseason contention after a challenging season. ### Breakdown of the Chicago Sky's Draft Strategy 1. **Acquisition of First-Round Picks** - The Sky traded for the No. 11 pick from the Lynx, adding to their existing No. 10 pick, giving them back-to-back selections in the first round of the draft [https://www.si.com/onsi/womens-fastbreak/news/chicago-sky-acquire-additional-first-round-wnba-draft-pick-in-trade-with-lynx-01jrrs5md3fq]. 2. **Draft Selections** - In the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Sky selected Ajsa Sivka with the No. 10 pick and Hailey Van Lith with the No. 11 pick. Sivka, a 19-year-old power forward from Slovenia, was noted for her impressive performance at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket, where she was named MVP [https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-sky/2025/04/14/wnba-draft-results-sky-picks-hailey-van-lith]. - Van Lith, a guard, is expected to bring additional scoring and playmaking abilities to the team [https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-sky/2025/04/14/wnba-draft-results-sky-picks-hailey-van-lith]. 3. **Team Dynamics and Future Implications** - The addition of Sivka and Van Lith raises questions about the future of current players, particularly Angel Reese, who plays a similar position to Sivka. Reese's response to the draft selections indicates a competitive atmosphere within the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/chicago_skys_angel_reese_has_3_word_response_to_team_drafting_possible_replacement/s1_17081_42052538]. - The Sky's strategy appears to be focused on enhancing their offensive capabilities, particularly in shooting, to support their post players [https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-sky/2025/04/14/wnba-draft-results-sky-picks-hailey-van-lith]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Draft Picks Overview** - **No. 10 Pick**: Ajsa Sivka (Power Forward, Slovenia) - MVP of FIBA U18 EuroBasket - Height: 6'4" - **No. 11 Pick**: Hailey Van Lith (Guard) - Expected to enhance scoring and playmaking [https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-draft-sky-acquire-no-11-pick-from-lynx-in-exchange-for-2026-first-round-pick]. - **Team Composition** - Current roster includes: - Angel Reese (selected No. 7 in 2024) - Kamilla Cardoso (2024 draft pick) - Focus on improving shooting and offensive depth [https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-draft-sky-acquire-no-11-pick-from-lynx-in-exchange-for-2026-first-round-pick]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Rebuild for the Chicago Sky In summary, the Chicago Sky's actions leading up to the 2025 WNBA Draft reflect a calculated approach to rebuilding their roster. By acquiring two first-round picks and selecting promising talents like Ajsa Sivka and Hailey Van Lith, the Sky are positioning themselves for a more competitive season. 1. **Strategic Trades**: Acquiring the No. 11 pick enhances their draft strategy. 2. **New Talent**: The selections of Sivka and Van Lith aim to improve the team's offensive capabilities. 3. **Future Considerations**: The dynamics within the team may shift as new players integrate into the roster. The Sky's proactive measures indicate a commitment to returning to playoff contention, making them a team to watch in the upcoming season [https://www.si.com/wnba/sky-wnba-draft-trade-first-round-pick-lynx].