Skylar Diggins benched by Chicago Sky after starting all 19 games

Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins confirmed Monday, July 6, in Phoenix that she is being moved to the bench after starting all 19 of her appearances this season. The decision caught the seven-time All-Star off guard and adds another layer of tension to a team sitting at 6-14 ahead of Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Mercury.

Diggins said she does not know whether the change is permanent, while coach Tyler Marsh called it a coaching decision and declined to reveal who will replace her in the starting lineup. The move comes as Courtney Vandersloot returns from a torn right ACL and Chicago searches for answers after losing 13 of 16 games following a 3-1 start.

The Full Story

Diggins first made the change public through Instagram, writing, “Now I'm coming off the bench?????? Cool.” She later posted a video saying she had been “so quiet” and “so good and quiet,” signaling her frustration before discussing the decision with reporters at a shootaround in Phoenix.

The 35-year-old said the news from Marsh caught her off guard and that she still did not understand the reasoning behind it. According to the Chicago Sun-Times report from Phoenix, Diggins also described “tons” of miscommunication since joining the organization in April.

I've been putting my body on the line. I'm here for this team. I've done everything that's been asked of me. I've been great professionally. That's the decision that's made, and I've got to live with that.

Marsh gave few details. He said the move was his decision, described Diggins as a major piece of the team and said his conversations with her would remain private. The coaching staff was still discussing whether the change would be short-term or permanent.

Chicago's season has already shifted sharply. The Sky won three of their first four games, then Rickea Jackson tore the ACL in her left knee. Since that start, Chicago has gone 3-13 and dropped to 13th place in the WNBA standings.

Who's Involved

Diggins is a seven-time All-Star and six-time All-WNBA selection who joined Chicago after two seasons with Seattle. She has started 341 of 354 career WNBA games and has not come off the bench since 2016, making this role change highly unusual for her.

Marsh is in charge of the rotation and has repeatedly described the move as a coach's decision. Vandersloot, 37, is the most obvious candidate to take on a larger role after returning from a torn ACL, though Marsh has not named the next starter.

Vandersloot has averaged 8.7 points and 6.0 assists in 16 minutes per game since returning. Diggins said she spoke directly with her teammate and does not want the situation to become a larger issue between players.

By the Numbers

Diggins is averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game. She is shooting 39.2% from the field, while the Sun-Times reported she remains Chicago's best three-point shooter at 38.2% on 3.6 attempts per game.

The broader team numbers explain why Chicago is changing something. The Sky are 6-14, and CBS Sports reported they are four and a half games behind the eighth and final playoff spot. The same report said Chicago ranks 12th in defensive rating at 107.9.

What This Means

The benching is bigger than a routine lineup shuffle because Diggins was brought in to help stabilize a franchise that had struggled for two straight seasons. Her experience, production and leadership were central to Chicago's offseason reset, yet the team is again near the bottom of the standings.

There is also a communication issue. Diggins said she was surprised by the decision and has raised concerns about the resources available to the team, including the lack of a completed dedicated practice facility. Chicago has rotated practices among UIC, Loyola and Wintrust Arena while its Bedford Park facility remains unfinished.

From a basketball standpoint, the timing also reflects a crowded guard rotation. Vandersloot is back, Sydney Taylor has emerged, and Chicago needs better results quickly. A bench role could let Diggins lead a second unit or play more minutes away from other ball-handlers, but Marsh has not publicly explained the tactical plan.

What to Expect

Chicago plays the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game road trip. That matchup is the next confirmed opportunity to see whether Diggins actually enters as a reserve and who replaces her in the starting five.

Diggins said she has not asked for a trade and wants to find ways to win. The next questions are whether the bench role lasts beyond one game and whether Chicago can stop a slide that has left its playoff hopes under pressure before the All-Star break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Skylar Diggins benched by the Chicago Sky?

Coach Tyler Marsh called it a coach's decision and did not publicly give a specific reason. The move comes as Courtney Vandersloot returns from injury and Chicago sits at 6-14 after losing 13 of 16 games.

Did Skylar Diggins ask for a trade?

No. Diggins said she did not ask for a trade and that she wants to find ways to win with Chicago.

Who could replace Skylar Diggins in the starting lineup?

Marsh has not announced a replacement. Courtney Vandersloot is a likely option after returning from a torn ACL, but the team has not confirmed the new starter.

How has Skylar Diggins played this season?

She is averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 39.2% from the field. She has started all 19 of her appearances this season.

When will Skylar Diggins first come off the bench?

Chicago's next game is Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury. That is the next confirmed game in which the new role could take effect.