If you have not heard by now, where have you been? Angel Reese's shock departure from the Chicago Sky is official, and she will now have the opportunity to be one of the star players on an Atlanta Dream roster that will have its sights firmly set on a championship. When one door closes, another one opens—for Slovenian prospect Ajsa Sivka, this statement has never felt truer.
Given the catastrophic campaign the Chicago Sky had last year, it would be easy for fans to forget that the franchise selected Sivka 10th overall in the 2025 WNBA draft. The Sky opted to allow the 20-year-old to continue her development in Europe before aiming to make her league debut in the upcoming season.
If Reese had stayed in Chicago, there is no doubt that she would have been given priority in the front court, not only in terms of minutes but in Tyler Marsh's offensive game plan. The 'Bayou Barbie' isn’t just a star on the court, she has also amassed an incredible Instagram following of 5.2 million, bringing in major financial benefits as the face of the team. Sivka lacks a reputation of this calibre, so Reese’s exit will open up opportunities for the forward that would not have existed before.
Ajsa Sivka can bring a different dimension to Chicago's offense
It is the dawn of the Kamilla Cardoso era in Chicago; this roster must be constructed to benefit the Brazilian center. Sivka's versatile skill set can provide spacing that Cardoso has not been used to during her first two seasons in the WNBA, creating a partnership that significantly increases the Sky's ability to win games.
During his rookie year as head coach, Tyler Marsh attempted to implement an offense that stretched the floor and prioritised three-point shooting, unless the inside pass was available. With the players at his disposal, this tactic was far from successful. The Sky lacked a shooter who could efficiently hit shots from deep. Sivka has shown in glimpses that this is an area in which she could thrive.
Albeit at the youth level, Sivka averaged 15.3 points per game, while shooting 38.3% from the floor during the FIBA Under 20's Women's EuroBasket. She also shot an impressive 6-9 from deep during Slovenia's 71-58 group phase victory over Portugal.
Sivka will provide a versatile scoring presence that will allow Marsh to tinker with his blueprint as opposition defenses switch their structure. Additionally, at six feet and four inches, she can also contribute defensively with her length and her ability to read the game—which will be much-needed without Reese on the floor.
While it cannot be denied that losing a superstar in the mould of Angel Reese will hurt the Chicago Sky in more ways than one, it presents an overwhelming opportunity for players who would have been stuck on the periphery had she remained on the roster. Ajsa Sivka is a long way from the finished product, but with extra time on the court, her development can be fast-tracked in a way that will benefit both the player and the organisation.