The Chicago Sky made significant moves during the 2024 WNBA draft, with three selections in the first 13 overall picks.
With their first pick at No. 3 overall, they selected Kamilla Cardoso. At No. 7 overall, their second pick brought in former LSU star Angel Reese, affectionately known as the “Chi Barbie.”
Rounding out their draft selections, the Sky picked Brynna Maxwell with the No. 13 overall pick.
But Maxwell’s promising start was hampered by a knee injury early in training camp, preventing her from practicing or playing with the team. Consequently, the Sky announced her release May 13, just two days before the start of the Sky’s regular season.
Thank you, Brynna!
The Sky concluded their preseason with a dominant victory over the New York Liberty, winning 101-53. Following the matchup, the team began finalizing their roster, including releasing Taya Reimer on Friday. The release of Maxwell followed that. The Sky are scheduled to meet the Dallas Wings in Dallas for their season opener on May 15.
Sky Finalize 12-Player Roster
With Brynna Maxwell not making the final roster for the 2024 season, Chennedy Carter and Kysre Gondrezick have secured spots on the team. Both Carter and Maxwell were among the players under scrutiny after the draft, with Maxwell facing an uphill battle to secure her place as a second-round pick.
Maxwell’s limited playing time during the preseason opener against the Minnesota Lynx and a reported knee injury suffered in training camp posed significant challenges for her roster prospects. Despite her potential as a shooter, demonstrated by her impressive college statistics, Maxwell’s injury and limited preseason appearances likely influenced the team’s decision. Many believed that Maxwell would provide significant spacing on the floor, helping create room for newcomers Reese and Cardoso to navigate closer to the hoop.
The Sky Considered Maxwell One of the Best Shooters in the Country
As fans learn that the Sky released Maxwell, they may be even more shocked when they recall what Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca said after selecting Maxwell. “We strongly feel that Brynna is the best shooter in the nation,” Pagliocca said. “She can be a floor spacer for us, she has a quick trigger, she is fearless, she can shoot with closeouts, shoot on the move and she sprints into her 3s.”
Maxwell is coming off an impressive college career that started at Utah before she transferred to Gonzaga. Over two seasons with Gonzaga, she averaged 13.8 points per game while boasting impressive shooting percentages: 47.1% on two-point field goals, 45.9% on 3-pointers and a remarkable 90.4% from the free-throw line. Maxwell’s consistency is evident from her record of making at least one three-pointer in 67 of the 69 games she played as a Bulldog.
Before her time at Gonzaga, Maxwell also demonstrated her scoring ability during her three seasons at Utah, where she consistently scored double figures. Her transfer to Gonzaga further solidified her reputation as a reliable scorer and marksman.
Maxwell earned first-team All-West Coast Conference honors twice during her collegiate career. Her contributions were instrumental in Gonzaga’s success, as evidenced by their impressive 32-4 record and Sweet 16 appearance last season.
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Chicago Sky Cut No. 13 Overall 2024 Draft Pick