Chicago Sky point guard Skylar Diggins is coming off the bench for the team’s game against the Phoenix Mercury after starting all 19 games this season, according to multiple reports. The decision follows a rough start for Chicago, which has a 6-14 record and sits near the bottom of the conference. Several outlets link the change to roster and lineup adjustments this season, including major offseason additions and the return of Courtney Vandersloot to Chicago.
Reports describe Diggins expressing surprise and frustration publicly after learning she would not be in the starting lineup. CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports cite her social media activity as indicating she felt “blindsided” by the move, while The Athletic reports that she appeared to react to the timing and role change. Yahoo Sports also notes that Diggins’ posts and comments raise questions about how the Sky will adjust their offensive approach going forward. The sources agree the benching centers on both the team’s performance and internal changes, with Diggins reacting openly to a role shift after a season-opening run as a starter.
