"I was giving everybody a hard time" - Kamilla Cardoso's  response on bouncing back from injury resurfaces as Sky's season ends

Rookie Kamilla Cardoso was one of the most highly touted draft picks from the 2024 WNBA draft, going third overall to the Chicago Sky. However, injuries have hampered her first season in the professional league after an impressive college career in South Carolina.

Cardoso has been dealing with nagging shoulder issues after suffering the injury in the Sky’s first preseason game, which cost her more than four weeks of absence. She again suffered the same injury to end the season as the Sky missed the playoffs.

On Friday, Cardoso's thoughts on suffering her first major injury setback back in May resurfaced as Chicago Tribune beat writer Julia Poe posted it on X.

“I was never hurt before. So having to deal with the trainers, having a doctor telling me I had to sit out for four weeks — everything was new to me. I didn’t want to do it and I was giving everybody a hard time,” Cardoso said.

Despite the struggles, Cardoso remained upbeat about her situation, as she has since avoided any major injury through the help of Sky’s health staff.

“I did some PT. I was out for four weeks and I think we did a great job together with ups and downs. Sometimes I got into it with the trainers and the doctors, but at the end of the day, everything worked out,” Cardoso added.

Kamilla Cardoso was not the only rookie who suffered significant injuries this season as second overall pick Cameron Brink suffered an ACL tear early in the season, while teammate Angel Reese also had a season-ending wrist injury.

On September 14, Cardoso was shut down by Sky’s head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just nine minutes in their 93-88 loss against the Phoenix Mercury.

Kamilla Cardoso played 32 games this WNBA season and averaged 9.8 points 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, turning herself into a serviceable big for Chicago.

With their two rookies out with injuries in the final stretch of the season, the Sky finished 13-27 for the 10th seed in the standings.

Kamilla Cardoso’s health is more important than anything, says coach

Last week, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon explained Cardoso’s shortened playing time as she dealt with her nagging injury.

“Her health is more important to me than anything. And when we spoke, that’s what she was feeling. It’s more important to make sure that she’s healthy,” Weatherspoon said in the Sky-Mercury post-game press conference.

Kamilla Cardoso was the Sky’s go-to big since Reese suffered her wrist injury. Despite missing out on the playoffs this season, the two rookies’ performances throughout the season give optimism to the Sky as they build for the future.