The Chicago Sky 2006 relied on Candice Dupree as their primary offensive force, with the rookie forward leading the frontcourt through efficient scoring and rebounding. Stacey Dales provided perimeter scoring and playmaking, while Brooke Wyckoff and Elaine Powell added steady veteran contributions. As an expansion team, the Sky depended on balanced production rather than a single dominant lineup, showing solid interior play but inconsistent offense and defensive efficiency across the season.
Chicago built much of its half-court offense around the rookie forward, trusting her to score from the elbows and low block despite constant defensive attention. Reporters covering the expansion Sky regularly highlighted her poise, polished footwork and maturity, with Dave Cowens leaning on her as the franchise’s primary interior option from opening night. (Basketball Reference)
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2006)
Jia Perkins
Starter/Star [1.1]
28.0
High [1.2]
9.4
3.6
3.2
1.8
47.52
Functioned as an attacking lead guard who was encouraged to create offense off the dribble rather than simply organize possessions. Contemporary coverage frequently noted her willingness to pressure defenses and embrace difficult perimeter assignments on an expansion roster still searching for offensive identity. (Basketball Reference)
None
Amanda Lassiter
Starter/Star [1.1]
24.4
Medium [1.1]
8.0
2.8
2.0
1.8
35.38
Operated primarily as the floor-spacing wing, giving Chicago needed perimeter volume even when the shooting percentages fluctuated. Analysts viewed her outside range as essential to creating room for Candice Dupree inside, making her value larger than the box score alone suggested. (Basketball Reference)
None
Bernadette Ngoyisa
Starter/Star [1.1]
20.9
Medium [1.1]
10.1
5.7
0.9
0.7
42.11
Filled the traditional center role by screening, finishing efficiently near the basket and battling on the glass. Independent season coverage often described her as one of the roster’s steadiest interior workers even while the expansion club struggled defensively.
None
Chelsea Newton
Key Contributor [1.05]
24.0
Medium [1.1]
6.5
2.6
2.1
1.6
29.57
Earned expanded minutes because of her defensive energy and versatility across the backcourt. Coaches consistently trusted her to disrupt passing lanes and defend multiple guard matchups, giving her responsibilities that exceeded her offensive workload.
None
Stacey Lovelace
Key Contributor [1.05]
18.5
Medium [1.1]
7.4
4.0
0.6
1.2
30.03
Brought veteran frontcourt stability off the bench, supplying physical rebounding and dependable interior minutes. Her experience became increasingly valuable as Chicago rotated through several lineup combinations during its inaugural campaign. (WNBA)
None
Brooke Wyckoff
Key Contributor [1.05]
22.9
Low [1.0]
3.3
2.7
2.2
1.7
20.58
Accepted a low-usage role focused on spacing, passing and defensive effort rather than scoring. Even during an offensively difficult season, coaches continued to value her versatility and willingness to fill different frontcourt assignments.
None
Stacey Dales
Key Contributor [1.05]
19.7
Low [1.0]
7.0
1.2
1.7
0.4
21.21
Returned to a supporting role after time away from the league, serving mainly as a secondary ball-handler and perimeter shooter. Coverage of the expansion season frequently pointed to her leadership and professionalism as assets for a young locker room.
None
Elaine Powell
Bench [1.0]
18.1
Low [1.0]
4.9
1.8
2.6
1.1
20.80
Provided experienced point guard play whenever called upon, helping organize younger teammates and settle the offense. Her value came more from decision-making and leadership than offensive volume.
None
Deanna Jackson
Bench [1.0]
15.0
Low [1.0]
6.0
3.0
0.6
0.5
20.20
Worked as a reserve interior scorer whose minutes fluctuated with Chicago’s frontcourt rotations. She supplied physicality around the basket but remained a situational option throughout the regular season.
None
Coretta Brown
Bench [1.0]
16.8
Low [1.0]
3.2
1.5
1.7
0.7
14.20
Filled reserve guard duties with an emphasis on perimeter defense and energy. Coaches used her in shorter stretches to add ball pressure rather than as a primary offensive creator.
None
Ashley Robinson
Bench [1.0]
10.4
Low [1.0]
1.8
2.8
0.5
0.9
12.00
Served as a developmental post player whose defensive length earned occasional starts when additional rim protection was needed. Offensive responsibilities remained intentionally limited.
None
Liz Moeggenberg
Bench [1.0]
10.1
Low [1.0]
2.1
1.7
0.6
0.6
10.00
Rookie forward who spent much of the season adapting to the professional game while providing depth at both forward spots. Contemporary independent coverage of her season was limited.
None
Katie Cronin
Bench [1.0]
12.1
Low [1.0]
2.2
1.1
0.2
0.7
8.40
Used primarily as a reserve floor spacer during limited opportunities. Independent season-specific reporting was sparse, with most available coverage focusing on roster transactions rather than on-court analysis.
None
Nikki McCray
Bench [1.0]
7.5
Low [1.0]
2.0
0.5
0.5
0.7
7.40
The veteran’s role centered on mentoring an expansion roster while contributing in brief stretches after injuries limited her availability. Much of the discussion surrounding her season emphasized leadership over production.
None
TEAM TOTALS
—
308.9
—
97.6
48.1
22.7
16.9
399.80
Expansion roster that relied heavily on Candice Dupree while experimenting with backcourt and frontcourt combinations throughout the regular season.
