Why did the Chicago Sky waive Hailey Van Lith?

Roster Depth at Guard Position

The Chicago Sky have significant veteran depth at the guard position that limited opportunities for Van Lith. The roster is headlined by seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins, fresh off a strong season with the Seattle Storm. Additionally, Jacy Sheldon was acquired via trade in the offseason, and Gabriela Jaquez was drafted fifth overall this year. This veteran presence crowded the guard rotation despite Van Lith's impressive preseason showing.

Preseason Performance vs. Roster Decisions

Van Lith had a breakout preseason that appeared to secure her roster spot. She scored 20 points in the preseason opener against the Mercury on a perfect 8-for-8 from the field, and averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists while shooting 71.4% from the floor across two preseason games. However, the team ultimately decided the roster needs superseded keeping her on the active roster, despite this improved performance suggesting she had made significant progress from her rookie year.

Rookie Season Struggles and Offseason Rehab

Van Lith struggled to establish a role in her inaugural WNBA season, averaging 3.5 points per game in 12.4 minutes across 29 games. Her development was hampered by an ankle injury that plagued her first year. Over the offseason, she spent time as a developmental player with Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 professional women's basketball league in Miami co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, working to rehabilitate the injury and improve her game.

Waiver Process and Future Opportunities

Van Lith was placed on waivers, requiring other teams to decide whether to claim her contract within 48 hours. The Sky's roster stood at 13 players following the waiver, with Maddy Westbeld, Sydney Taylor, and Aicha Coulibaly competing for remaining roster spots. Final rosters were due May 7. Van Lith could potentially qualify for one of the two available development spots, though she would first need to clear waivers unclaimed.