Over the past few days, many big changes have occurred for the Chicago Sky. From boycotting games to trades to injuries, this team has experienced it all. On August 27th, the Sky was set to play the Fever, but the league decided to boycott games on both Wednesday and Thursday. These were set as days of reflection and to continue the fight for social justice. On August 28th, the Chicago Sky traded with the Indiana Fever. Now, today they announced that Diamond DeShields and Azurá Stevens have left IMG Academy. These are big changes for the Chicago Sky.
Trade with Indiana Fever
Yesterday, it was announced that the Sky made a trade with the Indiana Fever. In exchange for Jantel Lavender and a second-round draft pick, and a third-round draft pick in 2021 WNBA Draft. The Sky acquired Stephanie Mavunga, a forward. Mavunga was drafted in 2018, 14th overall by the Fever. This season, Mavunga has averaged 5.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG while playing about 11 MPG.
“With all the injuries and with the competitive season, we felt that it was best for the betterment of our team to add another young piece that was good player and had great character”
Sky General Manager and Head Coach, James Wade, on acquiring Mavunga
OFFICIAL: Chicago Acquires Stephanie Mavunga in Trade With Indianahttps://t.co/201Kny8GOc
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 28, 2020
DeShields and Stevens Leave the Wubble
Two key players for the Sky left the Wubble today according to the team. Starting forward Azurá Stevens and guard Diamond DeShields both will be truly missed on this team. Stevens left the Wubble due to an osteochondral defect in her left knee and will be seeing a specialist. Stevens will not return this season. DeShields left due to personal reasons. According to HC and GM, James Wade, he does not expect DeShields to return.
James Wade, @chicagosky coach on Azura Stevens and Diamond DeShields: “We’re sad to see them go. We just have to make do with it. We saw them this morning. Wished them well. We just have to continue playing.” He also said he does not expect DeShids to return. #WNBATwitter #WNBA pic.twitter.com/D57bZaxTts
— Dorothy J. Gentry (@DorothyJGentry) August 29, 2020
DeShields and Stevens Contributions
These players have been huge on both sides of the ball for this team. Stevens only being in her third season, but her first season with the Sky. She got into the starting lineup and was averaging 11.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.5 APG. Standing at 6’6″ she was not only a threat at the basket but had the ability to stretch the floor by shooting the three; DeShields is in her third season and was drafted by the Sky in 2018, has always been a leader for this team. Before leaving the Wubble, DeShields was averaging 6.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, and 1.5 APG. This past week, DeShields was also evaluated for a quad injury and did not appear in their matchup against the Fever or the Liberty. I wish both of these players well and hope they have successful recoveries from their injuries.
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