A Surprising Turn of Events for the Chicago Sky
In a move that has left fans and analysts stunned, the Chicago Sky officially announced on Monday afternoon that they have waived Hailey Van Lith. The decision comes as a shock, especially considering the momentum the young guard had built leading up to the regular season.
Selected as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Van Lith faced an uphill battle during her rookie campaign. While she appeared in 29 games, her impact was limited, averaging 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. However, the narrative seemed to be shifting rapidly this winter.
The Preseason Surge: A Glimpse of Greatness
Van Lith spent the off-season honing her skills as a developmental player with Unrivaled, the innovative 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league co-founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The experience in Miami clearly paid dividends.
During the Sky’s preseason games, Van Lith looked like a transformed player. Her performance was nothing short of dominant:
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- The Opener: She exploded for 20 points, shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the field.
- Efficiency: Across two games, she averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists.
- Accuracy: She shot an incredible 71.4% from the floor.
Given these numbers, it appeared almost certain that Van Lith had secured her spot on the final roster.
The Roster Puzzle: Why the Cut?
Despite her individual brilliance in the preseason, the Chicago Sky are navigating a complex roster situation. The team boasts a deep rotation of veteran guards, led by the seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins, who joined the squad following a stellar season with the Seattle Storm.
The Sky are also dealing with significant injury concerns, which usually creates openings for young talent. Both Courtney Vandersloot (recovering from an ACL tear) and DiJonai Carrington (foot injury) remain sidelined. Additionally, the roster includes newcomer Jacy Sheldon and the fifth overall draft pick, Gabriela Jaquez.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Van Lith?
The decision to waive Hailey Van Lith is a reminder of how brutal the WNBA roster cuts can be, even for high draft picks with stellar preseason stats. While the Chicago Sky move in a different direction, Van Lith’s recent form proves she is ready for a professional challenge.
For more updates on WNBA roster moves and player news, stay tuned to ESPN WNBA.
