How the Chicago Sky Found the League’s Biggest Revelation

CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky are currently 12-20, on track to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Despite general manager Jeff Pagliocca's assertion that the team was in "win-now" mode at the beginning of the year, the front office has faced criticism, including trading Angel Reese and relinquishing control of their 2027 first-round pick by trading swap rights to the likely playoff-bound Washington Mystics.

However, the Sky discovered an unlikely gem in rookie Sydney Taylor, who was undrafted out of college in 2024 and played in Lithuania and Poland before joining the Sky on a training camp contract.

Taylor, 24, has emerged as the Sky's top scoring option, averaging 20.3 points per game over her last eight games. General manager Pagliocca, who took over in 2023, first noticed Taylor at a USA 3×3 event two years ago, impressed by her ability to create her own shot. Despite her college shooting percentages dropping from 41% and 39% to 37% and 31%, respectively, Pagliocca recognized her speed and shot creation.

Taylor's development has been helped by her overseas experience, where she expanded her playmaking ability and versatility. Her performance has impressed not only the Sky but the entire league, with Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White praising Taylor's shot-making abilities. As a restricted free agent, Taylor will likely remain with the Sky, whose young core aligns well with her emergence.