Chicago Sky sign forward Victoria Macaulay using injury exception

CHICAGO, IL -MAY 21: Victoria Macaulay #25 of the Chicago Sky poses for a portrait during 2019 WNBA Chicago Sky Media Day on May 21, 2019 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL -MAY 21: Victoria Macaulay #25 of the Chicago Sky poses for a portrait during 2019 WNBA Chicago Sky Media Day on May 21, 2019 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chicago Sky shore up depleted roster in midst of impressive home run

The Chicago Sky signed 6’4 center Victoria Macaulay Thursday after being granted an injury exception by the WNBA.

Macaulay averaged six points, two rebounds and a block for the Sky during her two preseason appearances. She was cut by the team on May 23 ahead of the WNBA’s final roster deadline.

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The Sky obtained the exception after forward Katie Lou Samuelson broke her wrist in a game against the Seattle Storm. Samuelson is expected to miss three weeks with the injury. She contributed 13 minutes of playtime in three games for Chicago.

Sky head coach James Wade spoke positively of Macaulay and her production during training camp. The former Temple big will help bolster Chicago’s front court, which is also missing Astou Ndour, who is currently away due to overseas commitments.

Wade has favored a platoon rotation at the four and five spots so far this year, with only starters Stefanie Dolson and Jantel Lavender averaging more than 20 minutes per game. The Sky have split the 80 available minutes at those two positions between five or six players in each of their contests.

Macaulay will have a real shot at playtime while Samuelson is out, as forward Gabby Williams’s point guard play has opened up time in the front court. Wade may simply give Williams more time at the four until Samuelson returns, but could also opt to have Macaulay fill in.

The Sky face the Indiana Fever away on Saturday, June 15 at 7 p.m. CST. Macaulay is expected to be available for the game.

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