Sky benches Skylar Diggins after signing

Sky’s turnaround bid stalls

The Chicago Sky endured two losing seasons, prompting a shake‑up that included trading Angel Reese. To fill the void, the team brought in Skylar Diggins on a two‑year, $1.8 million contract, hoping the 35‑year‑old star would reignite the franchise. The deal was meant to signal a new direction after the Sky managed just 23 wins over the prior two campaigns.

Within weeks of the signing, Diggins appeared to signal a major shift on social media. Two Instagram story posts captured her reaction: “Now I’m coming off the bench? Cool.” and a follow‑up clip where she said, “And the crazy part about it all is I’ve been so quiet. I’ve been so good and quiet.” The messages strongly imply she has been moved out of a starting role.

Numbers and next steps

Despite the storyline change, Diggins has kept producing on the court. In 19 games she averages 14.2 points, 4.9 assists and a .392 field‑goal percentage. Those figures sit below her typical averages, yet she still ranks third for points per game and second for assists on the Sky roster.

The club sits at 6‑14 through 20 games, one of the worst records in the league. The Sky regroup for their next contest on Tuesday, facing the Phoenix Mercury. The upcoming game will be a test of whether the team can coalesce without Diggins in the starting lineup.

What’s at stake for Chicago

Diggins’ résumé features seven All‑Star selections and six All‑NBA honors, underscoring her veteran value. Even with a dip in seasonal production, she remains a potential trade asset, attracting interest from contenders. If Chicago decides to move her, the return could help lift the franchise back toward playoff contention.

The bench shift also raises questions about the Sky’s long‑term plan under the new regime. With a roster built around veteran leadership, the organization must decide whether Diggins’ off‑court sentiments signal a larger chemistry problem that could affect the rest of the season.