Skylar Diggins embraces role as mentor, combo guard amid Sky’s struggles

Fresh off seven WNBA All-Star selections and multiple league honors, Skylar Diggins brought an elite pedigree to the homecoming she envisioned.

However, her return to the Midwest has hit early roadblocks. The Chicago Sky lost rookie Rickea Jackson to a season-ending ACL tear four games into the season, sending the team into a downward spiral. While the Sky struggled to find answers at a 6-13 record, Diggins worked to find her own rhythm.

Entering her 12th WNBA season, Diggins is averaging 13.9 points a game despite leading the team in minutes (28.8), her lowest scoring output since her rookie season with the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings). Navigating a crowded Chicago backcourt that features Natasha Cloud and the recently returned Courtney Vandersloot, Diggins said she remains comfortable playing as a combo guard.

“I’ve been on and off the ball my whole career,” Diggins said, pointing to past stints with the Shock and the Phoenix Mercury alongside ball-dominant guards Odyssey Sims and Diana Taurasi. “I think [being a combo guard] could help free me up and maybe give me some easier looks.”

Earlier in June, Diggins called for increased maturity and leadership following a 17-point loss to the expansion Toronto Tempo in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. Chicago dropped 11 of 12 games across May and June before snapping the slide with consecutive victories over the Portland Fire last week.

Sky coach Tyler Marsh reiterated that the roster remains aligned amid losing streaks.

“We're all frustrated with where our record is, but we've all been able to see improvements. Even since that day, we've been able to see improvements in our play, we've been able to see improvements in our communication and how we approach each day,” Marsh said.

As she configures her on-court role, Diggins and other veterans continue to anchor the locker room as one of the mentors for young players like Gabriela Jaquez and Kamilla Cardoso. Marsh emphasized the value of leaning on his veterans to stabilize the young roster.

“You have a plethora of experienced players that have gone through the ups and downs that the WNBA presents,” Marsh said, mentioning Diggins. “That’s able to draw from for our younger players coming in. So that’s been a huge plus.”

Diggins said communication with the rookies remains constant, even as she manages her own adjustments.

“I’m trying to figure myself out. It’s tough,” Diggins said. “I just try to always maintain as a resource if I can, and try to be approachable.”