Hailey Van Lith is officially on the move in the WNBA. After being waived by the Chicago Sky earlier this week, the rookie guard has been claimed off waivers by the Connecticut Sun, giving her a fresh start in a new market.
Drafted in the first round by the Sky just one season ago, Van Lith's time in Chicago was brief. The team decided to cut her loose, but the Sun didn't waste a moment, swooping in to secure her services on Wednesday. While Connecticut is coming off a tough season and faces an uncertain future—with relocation rumors swirling—this move could be a silver lining for the young player.
For Van Lith, opportunity is the name of the game. The Sun are in a rebuilding phase, which means there's plenty of room for a hungry guard to earn minutes and develop on the job. That's exactly what she needs right now. During her rookie campaign, the 5-foot-9 guard struggled to find her rhythm, averaging just 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Perhaps the most glaring issue was her shooting: a frigid 16.1% from beyond the arc.
At her size, Van Lith's success in the pros will hinge on her ability to stretch the floor. Defenders won't respect her quickness and playmaking in the lane unless they have to guard her on the perimeter. That three-point shot has to improve if she wants to stick around long-term. But her handles and court vision are undeniable—she just needs the right environment to let them shine.
It's a positive sign that Connecticut pounced immediately. The Sun see potential where others might see a project, and now it's up to Van Lith to prove them right. For a player who needs playing time and patience, this might be the perfect landing spot.
