Courtney Vandersloot, a WNBA veteran and former Chicago Sky star, is making a comeback that promises to be as captivating as her on-court exploits. With a career filled with assists and records, Vandersloot is now back in the Sky's starting lineup, aiming to recapture her former glory. But the question remains: can she live up to the standards set by her peers, particularly the legendary Sue Bird?
Vandersloot's return to the Sky is a feel-good story, especially for those who have followed her journey. She has spent 14 of her 16 WNBA seasons in Chicago, where she met her wife, Allie Quigley, and won a championship in 2021. The city and its fans hold a special place in her heart, and her return to the starting lineup is a testament to her enduring legacy.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Vandersloot and Bird. While Bird is widely considered the greatest point guard of all time, Vandersloot is the queen of assists, only trailing Bird in total dimes because she hasn't played as long. Before Caitlin Clark set the current record of 19 assists in a game, Vandersloot broke Ticha Penicheiro's mark of 16 assists with 18 on August 31, 2020. This achievement highlights her exceptional talent and consistency.
However, Vandersloot's return to the Sky has been marred by injuries and a dip in form. After an off year with the New York Liberty, where she averaged a career-low 6.4 points per game, she tore her ACL and missed the 2024 season. Her return to the Sky in 2025 was somewhat back on track, with 10.6 points and 5.3 dimes before the ACL tear. Despite this, her assist numbers have been inconsistent, with four or fewer in every game since her return, save for a six-assist performance on July 15.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Vandersloot's assist numbers and Bird's. While Bird averaged 5.6 assists per game in her late 30s and early 40s, Vandersloot is now 37 and returning from a torn ACL. Her current average of 8.1 points and 4.1 helpers in 17.5 minutes per game is a testament to her resilience, but it remains to be seen if she can recapture her former glory.
In my opinion, Vandersloot's return to the Sky is a reminder of the importance of consistency and longevity in basketball. While Bird's achievements in her late 30s and early 40s are awe-inspiring, Vandersloot's career has been marked by a steady stream of assists and records. Her ability to maintain her form despite injuries and a dip in form is a testament to her resilience and determination.
One thing that many people don't realize is the impact that Vandersloot has had on the WNBA. Her consistently eye-popping assist numbers have delivered thrilling record chases, and she broke the single-game assists record en route to becoming the first and, to this day, only player to average double-digit dimes in a season. Her return to the Sky is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of players like her.
In conclusion, Vandersloot's return to the Sky is a feel-good story that promises to be as captivating as her on-court exploits. While her assist numbers have been inconsistent, her resilience and determination are a testament to her enduring legacy. As underappreciated as she's been, it's fitting that she's now teammates with Natasha Cloud, a great distributor in her own right, who was once Vandersloot's biggest cheerleader during the 2020 Wubble season. Let's hope she goes out in style and continues to inspire and entertain fans for years to come.
