Veteran guard Skylar Diggins is officially sidelined for the rest of the season, a crushing blow for the Chicago Sky as she continues to battle a lingering right knee injury. This abrupt end to her season wipes out what was supposed to be a year full of optimism for the Sky, who acquired Diggins along with a mix of veterans and young talent right before the season kicked off.
The Frustration Runs Deep for Skylar Diggins
Even after playing 19 games and putting up 14.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per contest, Diggins, at 36 years old, opened up in a virtual press conference about her recovery and future. She made it clear she expects to be back in a Sky jersey next year, saying, “I haven’t expressed any desire to not talk about me being in a Chicago Sky jersey next year.” But the competitive fire in her couldn’t hide some serious frustrations with the organization itself. Her “biggest frustration”? The continued delay of the Sky’s practice facility in Bedford Park. It was supposed to be ready this year, but “logistical matters” keep pushing it back. A professional team practicing at the University of Illinois Chicago and Wintrust Arena all year is a tough look.
Beyond The Court Struggles
Diggins also called out the team leading the league in injuries, and she mentioned adjusting to coming off the bench instead of starting. It’s been an inconsistent, losing season for the Sky, who missed a shot at returning to the postseason, partly due to these key talent injuries. Off the court, Diggins has been dealing with a painful divorce, on top of her own injuries. Yet, anyone who knows her knows she confronts challenges head-on and comes out stronger. That’s why she’s focusing on her overall well-being right now, all while keeping her intense love for the game fully intact. She shared how tough it is “missing out on these damn environments” where the atmosphere has been “electric.” She misses “the fire and intensity of the atmosphere.”
The Sky might be looking at a future with potential, given their “notable clutch moments” this year as Diggins pointed out, but there are clear issues. For Diggins, the road to recovery for that right knee is ahead. The question for the Sky now is how they address the logistical nightmares and team health that Skylar so candidly highlighted. It’s more than just a knee injury; it’s about the entire setup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
Leave a Reply