The Chicago Sky's promising rookie, Kamilla Cardoso, faces an unfortunate delay to her WNBA debut after suffering a shoulder injury during the team's preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday. The Sky announced Monday that Cardoso, who was the third overall pick in last month's WNBA draft, is expected to miss four to six weeks.
The injury occurred during the Sky's 92-81 loss to Minnesota. Cardoso, a 6-foot-7 center, came off the bench and contributed six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes before leaving the game due to the injury. The setback comes after her impressive tenure at South Carolina, where she won her second national title and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
In addition to Cardoso's injury, the Sky also said that Brynna Maxwell, one of their 2024 draftees from Gonzaga, will be sidelined for three to four weeks with a knee injury, per Alexa Philippou of ESPN. Maxwell, a guard, will be reevaluated after that period.
Cardoso and Maxwell's injuries add to a growing list of ailments for the Sky. Forward Taya Reimer is currently out due to concussion protocol, while Isabelle Harrison is questionable with a knee injury for the team's upcoming preseason game Tuesday against the New York Liberty.
Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese show promise in preseason game
Despite the team's current injury challenges, Cardoso and Maxwell's absence is particularly disappointing given the promise both rookies showed in their first game with the Sky. The team, coming off an 18-22 season where they earned the eighth seed in the WNBA Playoffs, has revamped their roster with the likes of Cardoso and former LSU star Angel Reese, who also made her debut against the Lynx.
Reese showed her potential by scoring 13 points and grabbing a team-high nine rebounds, while Cardoso's strong defensive performance, which included two blocks and a steal, highlighted her abilities on both ends of the court. Both rookies are expected to play significant roles for the Sky this season, with their interior presence seen as a key component of the team's strategy.
With Cardoso and Maxwell temporarily sidelined, the Sky will lean on returning players like Lindsay Allen, who led the team with 17 points in their last game, alongside Dana Evans and Marina Mabrey. Despite the injuries, the Sky's depth provides hope for their upcoming games, and the team remains optimistic about the contributions of their rookies once they return to full health.
The Sky's management is hopeful that Cardoso's and Maxwell's injuries are minor setbacks in what they expect to be promising careers. The team's next challenge will be navigating the early part of the season without two of their key draft picks while preparing for a competitive year ahead. The Sky kick-off the regular season against the Dallas Wings May 15.
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