The first five minutes at the United Center were electric. The Sky trailed, but with Courtney Vandersloot running the offense, 19,496 fans believed a comeback was incoming, just like against Dallas. Then, at the 5:31 mark, everything unraveled. Vandersloot drove hard to the basket, lightly collided with Aari McDonald, and collapsed before releasing the shot. She clutched her right knee, and the crowd went quiet.
Later that night, the Sky confirmed the worst:
“Courtney Vandersloot underwent an MRI yesterday that revealed a right torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury she sustained in the June 7th game against Indiana. Vandersloot will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season and undergo surgery to repair the injury.”
The reaction was swift and pointed. Fans didn’t just flood social media with support for “Sloot,” they made something else unmistakably clear: the front office needs to act — now. Whether through a new signing or a trade, supporters are demanding answers.
Coach Tyler Marsh, facing his first major test as head coach, was candid postgame (before the sky dropped the injury update on Insta).
“(Vandersloot) is our engine, she’s our captain, she’s our leader out there. Obviously it’s a huge blow. Hopefully it’s not as serious as we may think. We’re hoping that she is able to bounce back, but for the time being we all got to pick her up, lift her up, lift each other up.”
That might be easier said than done. The Sky spiraled after Vandersloot’s exit, falling 79–52 to a Fever team playing without Caitlin Clark. Chicago’s offense became static, their defense porous. Eleven assists to 21 turnovers. Three made threes on 15 attempts.
Hailey Van Lith, Sloot’s presumed successor, was thrust in far earlier than planned — and it showed:
0 assists, 3 turnovers, and a visibly shaken presence.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Van Lith said. “It’s heartbreaking to watch anybody (get injured), but especially one of your teammates and someone that means as much as Sloot does to our organization.”
The front office faces a tough court to navigate. With only $56,000 in cap space, any signing would require waiving a current player. Moriah Jefferson has battled injuries, Rachel Banham has struggled, and Van Lith is still learning to run the floor.
“It was less about her facilitation and more about her organization,” Marsh explained. “That’s really where it all stems from.”
And without that organizing force, fans know: no new playmaker, no playoff push. It’s that simple.
Fans Rally for Deja Kelly After Vandersloot’s Injury
Now, all eyes are on Deja Kelly.
After a promising, albeit brief, run with the Las Vegas Aces, Kelly has emerged as one of the most intriguing free-agent point guards on the market. In just 20 minutes over two games, she scored 24 points, dished out 3 assists, and helped seal two victories, including a thrilling 85–84 win over the Mercury.
“You already saw what @dejakelly can do,” one fan posted. “Sign her now @chicagosky!!”
The buzz isn’t just emotional—it’s rooted in the Sky’s dire backcourt situation. With Courtney Vandersloot done for the year, Hailey Van Lith still adjusting to the point guard role, and little depth behind her, Chicago needs someone who can stabilize the offense.
May 6, 2025; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Sky Courtney Vandersloot (22) during the second half of a WNBA pre-season game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Another stated, “Please sign somebody good! Deja Kelly is a good one to sign on a hardship contract.”
And fans aren’t just pulling names out of a hat. The WNBA has already seen a handful of hardship signings as injuries pile up: Aari McDonald joined the Indiana Fever, while both Crystal Dangerfield and Odyssey Sims were picked up by the Los Angeles Sparks. Sims—arguably the best veteran PG still active (on a hardship contract)—is likely out of reach, making Deja a far more attainable (and promising) target.
“SEND HELP. Get Deja Kelly on the line!”
The timing couldn’t be more urgent. When Las Vegas let go of Kelly to keep Aaliyah Nye, it made strategic sense for the Aces, but the move opened a door for another team to capitalize. Statistically, Kelly had outperformed expectations, and her shot creation could address Chicago’s glaring offensive drought.
“Go get Chenn or Deja!” another fan urged.
That opens up a bigger question: what about Chennedy Carter? If the Sky can reconcile past differences, bringing her back would be a power move. After Vandersloot left for the Liberty, Carter led the Sky with 17.5 points and 3.1 assists per game last season. Her explosiveness and floor vision are proven at this level.
One fan even wanted the sky to sign Aari “Sign Deja… or A. McDonald…”
Realistically, McDonald is off the board—signed with Indiana. But the message from fans couldn’t be clearer: either secure one of the league’s available shot-creators or accept a spiraling season. Whether it’s Kelly, Carter, or even empowering Van Lith with full offensive control, the Sky front office has a decision to make—fast.
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