Natasha Cloud has joined the Sky after a delayed signing and could debut Wednesday against the Valkyries, bringing a veteran toughness to a roster built for depth.
Natasha Cloud’s long-anticipated return could arrive sooner than expected, with the veteran point guard potentially making her debut for the Chicago Sky on Wednesday against the Valkyries.
Portland, Ore. — The Sky added Cloud after what was described as a delayed signing, and the coaching staff chose not to force her into game action immediately. Coach Tyler Marsh said he didn’t want to rush her return, and Cloud sat out the opener against the Fire.
Marsh indicated that the decision was rooted in preparation, not urgency. Cloud worked out in shootaround, and Marsh expressed confidence that she’ll be ready for Wednesday’s game. By then, she is expected to have had several days to practice with the team.
Marsh is counting on Cloud to impact both ends of the floor with the kind of physical. hard-nosed style she’s known for.. He said she pushes the pace offensively. can operate aggressively as a driver toward the rim. and also creates opportunities for teammates without needing constant touches.. He added that her “warrior mentality” — the way she approaches every day. practice. and game — fits what the Sky want to build as the season moves forward.
For Cloud, the appeal of joining the Sky extended beyond the on-court role.. The report stated that her motivation for signing a one-year deal centered on finding teammates who share a similar intensity and willingness to compete without hesitation.. Cloud described a desire to play alongside people who “get after” opponents and don’t soften their approach out of fear or apology.
She also pointed to Skylar Diggins as a key part of what drew her to Chicago’s group.. Cloud called Diggins a relentless competitor who sets a high standard for those around her.. She said the expectations tied to how Diggins approaches the game are rooted in respect for the sport and that her intensity raises the level of play for everyone on the roster.
Roster depth, described as a priority during the Sky’s roster construction, was another major factor in Cloud’s decision.. She highlighted that the team values contribution across the lineup. emphasizing that every player from one through 14 matters to what the Sky believe they can accomplish together.
Even with a new-look roster, the Sky appear intent on pacing expectations rather than trying to force immediate results.. Cloud said she dislikes timelines and believes team chemistry and execution develop naturally.. She warned that setting deadlines can create pressure, fuel unrealistic narratives, and reduce the room for patience and adjustment.
Still, she said her early impressions have been positive.. Cloud reported that during her first two practices. players appeared to know their roles clearly. including where they were supposed to be on the floor.. That early clarity, she implied, offers hope that the group can progress without excessive confusion.
Meanwhile. Sydney Taylor — an undrafted guard who made a run toward the final roster cut as an underdog — shared the moment she learned she had made the team.. Taylor recalled walking in to find general manager Jeff Pagliocca and Coach Tyler Marsh with serious faces. saying she was initially scared but that the mood shifted quickly when they told her she was on the roster.
After hearing the news, Taylor said she immediately reached out to her agent, her trainer, and her family. She added that her mother responded with reassurance, telling her, as Taylor described it, that she had known all along and had faith in her throughout the process.
As the Sky prepare for Wednesday’s game against the Valkyries. the combination of Cloud’s potential debut and Taylor’s recent journey to the roster highlights how the organization is trying to blend veteran intensity with fresh contributions.. The coaching message so far has focused on consistency and preparation. suggesting Chicago’s early focus is on building a shared standard of toughness and execution before measuring success in larger terms.
Natasha Cloud Chicago Sky Valkyries WNBA Tyler Marsh Skylar Diggins roster depth