Here’s a bold statement: the Chicago Sky’s struggles this season might have been avoided if they’d made one crucial move months ago. But here’s where it gets controversial—when Courtney Vandersloot’s season-ending ACL injury left a gaping hole in their lineup, the Sky had the chance to sign Odyssey Sims, a proven veteran point guard who was surprisingly waived by the Sparks. Instead, Sims ended up with the Indiana Fever, where she became a game-changer during their unexpected playoff run. And this is the part most people miss—Sims’ performance wasn’t just a fluke; she averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals in the playoffs, proving she’s exactly what the Sky desperately need: a playmaker who can score, create for others, and lead a winning team.
Let’s rewind for a moment. The Sky’s 2025 season was supposed to be a turning point with the signing of Vandersloot, a move aimed at elevating young stars like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. But here’s the harsh reality—after just seven games, Vandersloot’s injury derailed those plans, and the Sky finished with a worse record than the previous year. Now, with a 36-year-old point guard recovering from a major injury, Chicago can’t afford to rely solely on her for a playoff push. They need a point guard rotation upgrade, and Sims fits the bill perfectly.
While Sims may not have Vandersloot’s championship rings or All-WNBA accolades, she’s a consistent scorer who can drop 15 points a night—something the Sky, who averaged the fewest points per game last season, desperately need. Plus, her 3.8 assists per game in the regular season show she can get the ball to Reese, Cardoso, and others. With 42 playoff games under her belt, Sims brings postseason experience that’s hard to ignore.
Here’s the controversial part—despite her talent, Sims has inexplicably struggled to land long-term contracts in recent years. Her playoff performance with the Fever should change that, but she’s likely still a cost-effective option for the Sky. This would allow them to re-sign key players like Atkins while upgrading the roster. The Sky could offer Sims a significant role alongside two rising stars, but there’s a catch: Chicago’s reputation as one of the league’s worst-run organizations and their lack of top-tier facilities could scare off free agents like Sims. So, here’s the question—is signing a player like Sims, who’s proven she can thrive in adversity, a more realistic and impactful move than chasing a big-name star who might not want to play for the Sky? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think Sims is the missing piece for Chicago, or should they aim higher despite the risks?
