DEERFIELD, IL — The Chicago Sky are getting back to work after having some time off due to the WNBA All-Star and Olympic Break. Before the hiatus, Chicago pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Connecticut Sun. They parted ways with starting guard Marina Mabrey and landed veterans Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham. The two guards broke their silence on the transition amid their arrival to Chicago.
Moriah Jefferson started by speaking about what she would miss the most about Connecticut.
“Probably just the relationships that you build along the way,” Jefferson said after practice on Thursday. “We had a good team, and it's just a part of the game. It's a business. We're excited to be here, and practice went really good for us today. Again, great energy and just excited to be here.”
Going from a championship contender on the Sun to a team fighting for a playoff spot in Chicago is a tough adjustment. However, Rachel Banham provided insight into how she and Jefferson can use their experience to help Chicago thrive. She gave this response when asked about the transition from the Sun's playbook to the Sky's:
“I feel like luckily, we're both point-guard-minded and high IQ players, so [the transition is easier for us]. Today we already put in a handful of plays, and I thought it went really well.” Banham replied.
The two Connecticut arrivals are making the most of their opportunity, and Chicago is ecstatic to have them. Jefferson is recovering from an ankle injury and is not cleared for contact yet but said she is feeling good. Meanwhile, Banham looks to use her 36.7 percent three-point shooting stroke to make an immediate impact from range.
Sky sharpen themselves in preparation for the season's second half
Chicago's practice on Thursday was intense on both sides of the ball. They looked sharp on their defensive rotations and scored without hesitation:
The Sky finished the first half of the season with a 10-14 record, which ranks them eighth in the WNBA standings. If they maintain their place, they will earn a spot in the Fall playoffs. Eyes will continue to be on Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, as the rookies emerge as primary contributors. Furthermore, Chennedy Carter, the team's leading scorer, looks to continue her offensive ascent.
It will be interesting to see how Chicago meshes with the arrival of Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham in the mix.
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