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Chicago Sky waive guard Chloe Jackson, sign center Kayla Alexander

By Nicholas Niendorf

INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 20: Kayla Alexander #40 of the Indiana Fever poses for a portrait during the WNBA Media Day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 20: Kayla Alexander #40 of the Indiana Fever poses for a portrait during the WNBA Media Day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Head coach and general manager James Wade shook up the Chicago Sky’s roster one last time before the postseason

The Chicago Sky waived Chloe Jackson Thursday morning and signed Kayla Alexander later that evening with the open roster space.

The Sky drafted Chloe Jackson in the second round of this year’s draft after Jackson led Baylor to a national championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors in the NCAA Tournament.

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But the 5’8 guard had appeared in just eight games this season, averaging four minutes of playtime in each of those contests. While she flashed her athleticism and defensive prowess in her short time on the court, Jackson had an unproven jump shot and an overlap of skills with other Sky guards. Combined with the glut of guards on the Sky’s roster, as well as the emergence of Gabby Williams as Chicago’s backup point, Jackson’s opportunities were limited.

Starting center Jantel Lavender’s season-ending foot injury only exacerbated matters, with head coach and general manager James Wade suddenly short a post player in an already thin rotation.

Wade turned to Alexander on Thursday to help fill that gap.

“We are happy to have Kayla with us to provide some depth at the post,” Wade said. “I was fortunate enough to coach Kayla for four years in San Antonio, so I know how hard of a worker and how good of a teammate she is and will be with us. Kayla is the ultimate pro.”

Alexander last played with the Indiana Fever in 2018, where she averaged eight minutes a game. She has averaged 4.2 points and 3 rebounds in her six seasons in the WNBA. The 6’4 Syracuse alumnus was the eighth overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.

With Wade elevating Astou Ndour to the starting lineup, Alexander will give the Sky another option off the bench. While Katie Lou Samuelson has stepped up in her bigger role, Chicago’s front court was still vulnerable after the Lavender injury.

Alexander will be available for Friday night’s home game against Washington Mystics.

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