Key Takeaways
- Veteran point guard Skylar Diggins will come off the bench starting with the Sky’s July 7 game against the Phoenix Mercury, ending her streak of 19 consecutive starts.
- The move appears to be a strategic decision by head coach Tyler Marsh to maximize the impact of returning starter Courtney Vandersloot, who is back after an ACL tear.
- Diggins expressed surprise and frustration on social media but emphasized her willingness to support whatever gives the team the best chance to win.
- Statistically, Diggins remains a productive scorer and playmaker (14.2 pts, 4.9 ast per game), while Vandersloot contributes fewer points but more assists per minute.
- Chicago’s 6‑14 record leaves them 13th in the WNBA; the bench‑shift is part of a broader effort to re‑tool after losing Angel Reese and dealing with injuries to Rickea Jackson and others.
Chicago Sky point guard Skylar Diggins confirmed on Monday, July 6, that she would be coming off the bench for the upcoming game against the Phoenix Mercury, a notable shift after starting all 19 contests this season. Speaking at a shootaround in Phoenix, Diggins acknowledged the physical toll she has endured throughout the year, saying, “I’ve been putting my body on the line all year for this team. I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me. I’ve been great professionally, that’s the decision that’s made, and I gotta live with that.” While she admitted uncertainty about whether the change is permanent, she added that she would accept it if it ultimately helps the Sky become more successful.
The announcement followed a candid social‑media post earlier in the day where Diggins wrote, “Now I’m coming off the bench?????? Cool.” She later shared a video reflecting on her season, noting, “And the crazy part about it all is that … I’ve been so quiet. I’ve been so good and quiet.” The tone of her messages conveyed a mixture of bewilderment and resignation, underscoring the emotional weight of being moved to a reserve role despite her consistent with her reputation as a hardworking, low‑key professional.
Head coach Tyler Marsh framed the decision as a collaborative one, emphasizing that it rests on both coaching strategy and player buy‑in. “It’s a coach’s decision. It’s my decision, and the conversations that me and Skylar had will stay between us,” Marsh said. He added that Diggins “understands how effective she can still be and how big of a piece that she is for us on this team.” Marsh’s comments suggest that while Diggins will start games coming off the bench, her value to the squad remains high, and the coaching staff expects her to contribute significantly in a reserve capacity.
The primary catalyst for the lineup adjustment is the return of veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot, who rejoined the active roster on June 26 after recovering from a torn right ACL. Vandersloot, now 37, had been sidelined for much of the season, and her reintegration provides the Sky with a seasoned floor general capable of orchestrating offense and defending multiple positions. In limited action since her comeback, Vandersloot has averaged 8.7 points and 6.0 assists in roughly 16 minutes per game, showcasing her ability to impact the game efficiently despite reduced minutes.
Statistically, Diggins continues to produce solid numbers: averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while logging 29.1 minutes on the court. Her scoring output remains among the team’s highest, and her playmaking keeps the offense fluid. Vandersloot’s averages, while lower in points, reflect a higher assist‑to‑minute ratio, indicating her strength in facilitating ball movement and creating opportunities for teammates—a skill set the coaching staff believes may better complement the current roster composition.
The Sky’s season has been tumultuous. After an aggressive offseason that included trading away rising star Angel Reese, Chicago started strong, winning three of its first four games. However, the team’s momentum stalled when forward Rickea Jackson suffered a left‑knee ACL injury, depriving Chicago of a key wing defender and scorer. Since Jackson’s absence, the Sky have managed only three additional wins, leaving them with a 6‑14 record and a 13th‑place standing in the WNBA. The front office has signaled a willingness to experiment with lineups and rotations to maximize the existing talent pool, particularly as they navigate a congested injury list and seek to develop younger players.
Diggins’ acceptance of a bench role, despite her All‑Star caliber from the previous season, exemplifies her professionalism and team‑first mindset. Her willingness to adapt could provide a stabilizing influence in the locker room, especially for younger players adjusting to new responsibilities. Meanwhile, Vandersloot’s return adds a layer of experience that may help ease the burden on the backcourt, allowing Diggins to operate in a more flexible, possibly hybrid role—sometimes initiating offense, sometimes providing veteran poise off the bench.
Looking ahead, the effectiveness of this bench‑shift will be measured not only by wins and losses but also by how well the Sky can integrate the complementary strengths of both guards. If the combination yields improved ball distribution, defensive versatility, and better late‑game execution, Chicago may climb out of its current slump and position itself for a push toward the postseason. Conversely, if the change disrupts team chemistry or fails to produce tangible on‑court gains, the organization may need to revisit its roster strategy sooner rather than later.
In summary, Skylar Diggins’ move to the bench marks a significant, though not unprecedented, adjustment for a veteran leader who remains committed to the Sky’s success. The decision reflects Coach Tyler Marsh’s attempt to harness the returning Courtney Vandersloot’s playmaking abilities while preserving Diggins’ scoring and leadership potential. As Chicago continues to grapple with injuries and roster reshaping, the performance of this backcourt tandem will be a critical determinant of the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the 2026 season.