Isabelle Harrison didn’t hold back when discussing her departure from the Chicago Sky, pointing to the team’s lack of consistency and direction as a major factor in her decision to leave.
After signing with the New York Liberty in free agency, the veteran forward opened up about her frustrating tenure in Chicago, where she struggled to find a clear role following injuries and roster changes.
Harrison, 31, originally joined the Sky with high hopes but soon found herself navigating a team undergoing a major shift, particularly with Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso emerging as key players.
The Sky‘s failure to make the playoffs only added to her dissatisfaction, leading her to prioritize a winning environment in free agency.
Speaking to the New York Post, Harrison described how the team’s lack of stability affected her experience.
“When I signed there [in 2023], everybody from the coaching staff, players, front office, it just was different,” Harrison said. “So going into Year 2 … I felt like it was shaky from the beginning.”
Frustration Over Unclear Role and Team Direction
Harrison‘s production declined in 2024, as she went from averaging 8.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in 2022 to just 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds. While injuries played a role, she also felt the team’s lack of structure contributed to her struggles.
“Obviously you try to make it work for as much as you can while you’re there but [there wasn’t] really any consistency,” Harrison explained. “And for me, that just kind of made me feel uneasy.”
The constantly shifting team dynamic made it difficult for Harrison to find her place, something she said reminded her of a franchise in its first year of existence rather than an established team.
“As a veteran, who I played on so many teams and with so many players, to see it kind of go down like that,” Harrison said, “it just always gives a feel of Year 1 vibe.”
Now, Harrison has moved on to a much different situation-one that offers stability, professionalism, and a chance to win a championship.
Embracing a Championship Culture in New York
Harrison is thrilled about her fresh start with the Liberty, a team coming off a WNBA Finals appearance and looking to make another deep playoff run.
“I just wish my time in Chicago was utilized more because I know I could have done even more when I was there,” Harrison admitted.
“But it brought me to now, going into free agency, knowing what I want. And [I’m] so happy that I landed in New York and that culture and professionalism is something that I knew I needed in my career at this point.”
She also acknowledged that while she missed out on the Liberty‘s 2024 championship run, she is confident they are still hungry for another title.
Meanwhile, Reese and the Sky hope to turn things around in 2025 after falling short last season. The team has already added veteran guard Ariel Atkins to strengthen its lineup alongside Reese and Cardoso.
While Harrison is now in a more structured and successful environment, the Sky will need to prove they can create stability and contend without her.
Read the full article here
