The Chicago Sky are facing an early and potentially defining decision on guard Hailey Van Lith, even though she is only one year into her WNBA career.
Under normal circumstances, a recent first-round pick on a rookie contract would not be part of an offseason debate. This year is different, as the league prepares for an expansion draft ahead of the arrivals of new teams in Toronto and Portland.
According to ESPN, WNBA teams are expected to be able to protect only five players in the expansion draft. With several Sky players approaching unrestricted free agency, the list of realistic protection candidates is already limited. That has placed Van Lith squarely on the bubble, despite her status as a first-round selection in the 2024 draft.
A shaky move thanks to the expansion
ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton projects that the Sky will ultimately protect Van Lith as their fifth and final player, though he notes the decision is far from secure. Pelton wrote that Chicago is essentially choosing between Van Lith and fellow 2025 draft pick Maddy Westbeld for the final protected spot. While Van Lith struggled during her rookie season, Pelton suggested her draft position may still give her a slight edge.
Van Lith appeared in 29 games for Chicago last season, primarily coming off the bench in a limited role. She averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while trying to adjust to a crowded backcourt and inconsistent minutes. Her shooting numbers were particularly rough, as she made just 5 of 31 attempts from three-point range, finishing the season at 16 percent from beyond the arc.
Those struggles have led some fans to label Van Lith a bust and question whether the Sky should move on from her. The expectations were high after her decorated college career, and her WNBA transition did not produce immediate results. Reuniting with former LSU teammate Angel Reese added intrigue to her rookie season, but it did not translate into a significant on-court role.
A clear path for Hailey
Chicago‘s coaching staff did not have a clear developmental pathway for Van Lith during her first year, forcing her to contribute in short stints without ever establishing a rhythm. For a young guard whose game relies heavily on confidence and timing, that situation made the adjustment to the professional level even more difficult.
Despite the uneven rookie season, Van Lith‘s name recognition and age would likely make her an attractive option for an expansion team if she is left unprotected. That reality adds pressure to Chicago‘s decision, as losing a recent first-round pick for nothing would be a tough outcome if the organization still believes in her long-term potential.
Ultimately, the Sky have more information than anyone else. They see Van Lith daily in practices, workouts and team settings, giving them a clearer picture of her development and whether she fits into their future plans. Protecting her in the expansion draft would signal confidence that her WNBA career is still on the right track. Leaving her unprotected, on the other hand, could be an indication that the road ahead for Hailey Van Lith in the league will be a challenging one.
