An unexpected team makes the playoffs

LeBron James’ “brother” from the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade became a majority owner of the Chicago Sky back in June, investing a whopping $85 million to carry out the transaction. However, things weren’t looking too good for Wade’s team this season. To begin with, the team underwent a coaching change in the middle of the season when the head coach James Wade departed the team in July to join the NBA. The team had to adjust to a new coaching staff led by interim head coach and general manager Emre Vatansever as a result of this transfer.

Furthermore, due to the absence of two key players Isabelle Harrison and Rebekah Gardner, the team witnessed a decrease in depth. Several star players including Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, Azura Stevens, Emma Meesseman and Allie Quigley left the team during the offseason.

However, surprisingly, the Chicago Sky made it to the playoffs despite this, much like the Los Angeles Lakers this NBA season. They became the eighth and last team to secure a spot in the WNBA playoffs of 2023. Further, the Sky made it to the postseason for the fifth year in a row, the longest streak in franchise history.

Even ESPN analyst, LaChina Robinson was left stunned. She said, during a recent episode of Around The Rim, “I will say … I’m impressed overall with Chicago. I am just like, the job that Emre has done as the interim head coach cannot be overstated. I think they’ve won five of their last eight games.”

She continued, “This team has no business being in here. With all the roster changes, all the injuries, all the adversity and I say that with all due respect, but I think they’ve continued to say, ‘We got a bunch of competitors and dogs on this team so here we are.'”

Before leaving for the NBA, Wade worked with Emre Vatansever to make wise roster decisions. They drafted talented athletes including Marina Mabrey, Courtney Williams, Elizabeth Williams and Isabelle Harrison. Furthermore, they centered the 2023 roster around Finals MVP Kahleah Copper. These signings helped boost the performance of the team, possibly securing their playoff berth.

Read More: Following Heat Brother Dwyane Wade’s Stake in $85 Million Worth Chicago Sky, Can Billionaire LeBron James Also Purchase a WNBA Franchise?

However, now that they’re in the playoffs, they face a daunting opponent: the Las Vegas Aces.

The Las Vegas Aces vs. the Chicago Sky

With a great regular season showing and a record of 34 victories, the Las Vegas Aces enter this series as the top seed and defending champions. A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray are the team’s two most experienced players. The Aces will be difficult opponents with Gray, in particular, having a history of doing extraordinarily well in the playoffs.

The Chicago Sky, while losing important players, their head coach and their general manager, had a challenging season this year. With a late-season run, they were able to claim the last playoff slot. However, they will have a difficult time competing against the mighty Aces.