{"id":600783,"date":"2026-04-23T02:45:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T02:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/600783\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T02:45:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T02:45:09","slug":"will-this-time-be-different-sky-push-for-fresh-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/600783\/","title":{"rendered":"Will this time be different? Sky push for fresh start"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are two distinct feelings coming out of Sky<\/a> training camp.<\/p>\n

One comes from Courtney Vandersloot and Azura Stevens. They helped deliver the Sky\u2019s only WNBA title in 2021 and want to get back to that standard.<\/p>\n

The other comes from coach Tyler Marsh and general manager Jeff Pagliocca, who would like a fresh start.<\/p>\n

And who wouldn\u2019t, after the last two years?<\/p>\n

Losing seasons, coaching turnover, and a practice facility that still isn\u2019t ready \u2014 despite being promised by the end of 2025.<\/p>\n

Despite all that baggage, the front office managed to put together a competitive roster for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s the intriguing new frontcourt pairing of Kamilla Cardoso and Rickea Jackson, a rather accomplished backcourt featuring Skylar Diggins and Vandersloot and a lottery pick in Gabriela Jaquez, fresh off an NCAA title at UCLA.<\/p>\n

\u2018\u2018I think we should take a moment to step back and see what this is gonna look like,\u2019\u2019 Pagliocca said Wednesday. \u2018\u2018Because it\u2019s an awfully exciting, energetic group that we\u2019ve put together.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

You can understand that sentiment, can\u2019t you? That desire to turn a new leaf, to honor the potential?<\/p>\n

You also can understand the hesitation from fans. So many disappointments since the 2021 title. Remember when Kahleah Copper was supposed to be the new face of the franchise? Remember when it was Angel Reese?<\/p>\n

The Sky traded up to draft Reese in 2024, touted her as the future, then flipped her for future first-round picks. Don\u2019t fans have the right to protect themselves from further heartbreak?<\/p>\n

At the request of media, Pagliocca addressed his offseason dealings at length Wednesday, including the blockbuster trade of Reese.<\/p>\n

On how the Reese deal went down: \u2018\u2018It was a decision we made together. We remained in constant contact with Angel and her team after the season. Over that time, there were conversations with Atlanta. They expressed interest. That was a destination that was favorable for her.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

On the return in the deal: \u2018\u2018If the return wasn\u2019t what we were looking for, we weren\u2019t going to move Angel. It had to be favorable for both sides. It\u2019s not often you get two first-round picks back.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

On whether Reese\u2019s suspension last season was a factor: \u2018\u2018[The trade] was nothing that was contentious at any point. We had closed that chapter [on the suspension]. Just a competitive player. Things were said. She handled it. We moved forward.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

On whether the \u2018\u2018Twin Towers\u2019\u2019 pairing of Reese and Cardoso failed: \u2018\u2018There\u2019s a lot of games where they played extremely well together. But systems change, people change, coaching staffs change. We have to make sure that we\u2019re fitting players that are going to fit the best in Tyler\u2019s system.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

On what \u2018\u2018roster balance\u2019\u2019 really meant: \u2018\u2018Clearly, I\u2019ve been aggressive [in getting] players that I think are going to fit the way that I want to play, that Tyler wants to play. That balance sometimes means we have to trade a player to make sure we can rebuild some future draft capital.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

That\u2019s about as candid an explanation as you\u2019ll hear from a GM in public.<\/p>\n

Are there more layers to the trade? You bet<\/a>. Will the full story ever come to light? Probably not. On some level, fans will have to take another leap of faith.<\/p>\n

And, at least for now, the energy at camp backs it up. Just listen to Jackson.<\/p>\n

\u2018\u2018I mean, it\u2019s only Day 3, and I honestly want to run through a wall for Tyler, for Jeff,\u2019\u2019 she said. \u2018\u2018Like, I\u2019ve truly felt welcome here. I truly feel seen from the beginning, and that\u2019s just something that I\u2019ve been missing in my career \u2014 just feeling wanted, just feeling like, \u2018You see me as I see myself.\u2019\u2009\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Maybe the Jackson-Cardoso duo is here to stay. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The league, in its 30th season, will have games on ABC\/ESPN, CBS, Amazon Prime Video, ION, NBC, USA Sports and NBA TV.<\/p>\n

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read<\/p>\n

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\"South<\/p>\n

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The Sky\u2019s No. 5 pick is getting rave reviews in training camp. And given the team is already short-handed, she\u2019ll get an opportunity right away. <\/p>\n

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read<\/p>\n

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\"Chicago<\/p>\n

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Tyler Marsh enters his second season facing a familiar challenge: a short-handed roster. <\/p>\n

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