Kamilla Cardoso made her WNBA debut on June 1, 2024, for the Chicago Sky against the Indiana Fever after recovering from a shoulder injury.
– *Injury Update*: Cardoso suffered a shoulder injury during the Sky’s preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 3, 2024. She was initially expected to miss four to six weeks but returned to action ahead of schedule.
– *Performance*: In her debut, Cardoso played under a minute restriction but is expected to make an instant impact for the Sky. She averaged 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in her senior season at South Carolina.
– *Contract Details*: Cardoso signed a four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Sky worth $338,056, with a fourth-year option worth $97,582. She can also earn additional income through various incentives and bonuses outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
– *Stats*: Cardoso has played 17 games for the Sky, averaging 25.9 minutes, 8.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.6 turnovers per game. She is shooting 46.1% from the field and 60% from the free-throw line.
Kamilla Cardoso is no stranger to playing big roles on high-level teams. Cardoso was instrumental in helping the South Carolina women’s basketball team go undefeated and win a national championship during the 2023-24 season. Cardoso now finds herself deep against elite WNBA competition as a Chicago Sky rookie. Yet, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon noted Cardoso’s impact with a crucial description.
Despite her modest numbers, Kamilla Cardoso’s impact with Chicago is not going unnoticed.
When Weatherspoon was asked what she had seen from Cardoso after the first half of the WNBA season, the head coach gave this one-word response.
“Presence,” Weatherspoon said after the Sky’s 93-85 July 16 win over the Las Vegas Aces.
“Her presence means so much. Kamilla does a heck of a job for us rebounding the ball and getting our transition started. She does a really good job of defending. It doesn’t matter who she’s defending. She’s very sure of herself. And when the ball doesn’t fall, you never see Kamilla in any way disappointed in anything. She continues to play and plays very hard. She is now getting more reps underneath her, and it’s only going to pay off for all of us and especially her,” Weatherspoon added.
Through the first 18 games of the season, Cardoso averages 8.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. As Teresa Weatherspoon mentioned, the rookie center is growing more comfortable with each rep she gains. At 6-foot-7, Cardoso is someone guards do not often want to drive into. She has a knack for using her length to make crucial blocks, and her timing will only improve.
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