​The reaction from fans and critics to the Chicago Sky’s abrupt decision to bench Skylar Diggins in the middle of the season continues to reverberate. While the controversy shows no sign of fading, WNBA analyst Zena Keita argues that the situation has left Coach Tyler Marsh with more choices than he bargained for. In the July 7 episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show, Keita and Annie Costabile dissect Diggins’ recent social media posts and what they could mean for the Sky’s lineup as they move forward.
“We thought it would be a quieter year in Chicago,” Keita said. “If you have Skylar Diggins, Natasha Cloud, and Rickea Jackson all on the roster, you’re going to stir up a bit of fireworks.” She pointed out that Courtney Vandersloot has returned for several games, and Marsh now faces the challenge of managing a wealth of talent at the point guard position. With three All-Star-caliber veterans — Vandersloot, Diggins, and Cloud — plus the formidable scoring threat of Sydney Taylor stepping into the starting five, Marsh is navigating a delicate balance.
Diggins had solidly claimed the point guard spot this season. Yet when examining the stat lines of the trio, one can see why Keita views Marsh as dealing with a genuine dilemma. Diggins has started all 19 games she has played for the Sky this season, averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 39.2 percent from the floor, ranking third on the team in scoring. She did sit out the Sky’s recent game against the Mercury due to a knee issue, a game that Vandersloot started and in which Chicago secured a win.
But the larger issue is not the move itself but the opportunity it creates. Sky management now has the chance to craft a lineup in which Diggins, Vandersloot, and Cloud can complement one another rather than compete for the same minutes. With a 7-14 record and a 13th-place standing, Chicago is well outside the playoff picture, yet the potential for a late-season resurgence remains if the three veterans and the new addition can mesh effectively. The Sky will need every bit of that veteran leadership and scoring versatility to change the trajectory of their campaign.
Diggins, who initially expressed frustration on social media, signaled a willingness to cooperate with the coach and the team’s decisions. “Every basketball decision is made by Marsh. He’s my boss. Even if I don’t like the decisions, I have to be a pro and go along with whatever he thinks,” she stated after Monday’s practice. That sentiment underscores a professional approach, even amid public discontent, and emphasizes the importance of unity and discipline as the Sky attempt to rebuild on the fly.
Looking ahead, the Sky must focus on roster construction and on-court chemistry. If Marsh can orchestrate a coherent rotation that leverages the strengths of Diggins, Cloud, and Vandersloot while integrating Sydney Taylor’s emerging proficiency, Chicago could still salvage something meaningful from this season. The team’s next steps should prioritize clear roles, efficient ball movement, and a shared commitment to defense as the foundation for a potential turnaround.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on how Marsh utilizes his three prominent playmakers and how quickly Diggins, Vandersloot, and Cloud can harmonize within a cohesive system. If the Sky can translate talent into sustained winning and establish a confident, adaptable identity, they may still climb the standings and threaten for a late postseason push. Until then, the benching episode will likely continue to spark debate among fans and analysts, serving as a focal point for the broader discussion about Chicago’s evolving roster strategy.