Chicago's International Bet: Why Ajša Sivka Could Become the Sky's Missing Perimeter Forward

CHICAGO: The Chicago Sky already possess two young frontcourt players capable of influencing the game through size and rebounding.

What they need is space.

That need helps explain the organization's decision to select Slovenian forward Ajša Sivka with the tenth pick in Monday's WNBA Draft.

Sivka, a 6-foot-3 prospect with extensive international experience, offers the kind of perimeter shooting that could eventually make Chicago's offense more difficult to defend.

The selection is not an immediate guarantee of production.

But it addresses a specific roster-building challenge.

Spacing around Reese and Cardoso

Reese and Cardoso possess the ability to compete for rebounds and create scoring opportunities near the basket.

Those strengths become harder to maximize when opposing defenses crowd the paint.

A forward capable of making outside shots changes the assignment for defenders.

Instead of immediately helping against interior players, an opponent must remain closer to the shooter.

That creates additional room for drives, post entries and cuts.

Sivka's shooting profile makes her a potentially useful fit.

She connected on 35.6% of her three-point attempts across her recent French league and EuroCup appearances.

That production came against professional competition rather than exclusively at the youth level.

Experience despite her age

Sivka will not turn 20 until November.

Despite that youth, she has already played in significant international competitions.

She represented Slovenia at EuroBasket Women and competed professionally in France.

At the 2023 FIBA Under-18 European Championship, she averaged 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals while helping Slovenia win its first gold medal in the event.

She also earned tournament MVP recognition.

Those achievements demonstrate a promising combination of scoring ability and experience.

But WNBA basketball presents different physical and tactical demands.

Sivka must adjust to stronger defenders, faster rotations and more demanding positional responsibilities.

Chicago's roster-building challenge

General manager Jeff Pagliocca emphasized the value of forwards capable of stretching the floor when discussing the selection.

That priority reflects the Sky's larger offensive needs.

Chicago must complement its rebounding strength with players capable of creating efficient scoring opportunities.

Sivka's perimeter shooting could eventually help produce that balance.

The organization will also need to determine how quickly she can contribute and whether additional development overseas will remain part of her path.

A selection built around possibility

The Sky enter their twentieth season with a new coaching staff and substantial expectations surrounding their young talent.

Sivka will not resolve every offensive concern.

But her combination of international experience, length and shooting provides another developmental option.

The larger question is whether Chicago can turn those tools into a dependable professional role.

Reese and Cardoso are already central to the team's identity.

Sivka has the potential to help create the space in which that identity can succeed.