Following the Chicago Sky’s 86-82 win over the New York Liberty, coach James Wade announced in the post-game press conference that Australian Anneli Maley will be signed to a hardship contract this week.
The Chicago Sky plan to sign Anneli Maley to a hardship contract tomorrow, per head coach James Wade. #WNBA
— Women’s Hoopz (@WBBWorldWide) June 4, 2023
The Bendigo Spirit forward played for the Chicago Sky last season on a hardship contract, where she appeared in two preseason games averaging 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, before playing four regular season games, averaging 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds.
The 2021/22 WNBL MVP was signed to a training camp contract with the Chicago Sky this past offseason, appearing in two preseason games and averaging 2.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists though she was waived as the final roster deadline approached.
To beat the buzzer ‼
Anneli Maley goes for the buzzer-beating lay-up to end the first quarter of the Lynx/Sky matchup
💻 : League Pass pic.twitter.com/spMKZwy2U2
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 13, 2023
However, now, the Sky are dealing with a multitude of injuries that have left them with a nine-player active roster. Most recently, Rebekah Gardner suffered a foot injury and underwent surgery on June 1.
Maley is well-versed in Chicago coach James Wade’s system and will bring an uptick in rebounding and scoring as well as much-needed bench depth.
Before you move on, why not give our Facebook page a like here? Or give our Twitter account a follow to keep up with our work here.