The Chicago Sky are going to start the 2024 WNBA season without the No. 3 pick from the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Kamilla Cardoso, the star center from South Carolina who led the program to an undefeated season and 2024 national title, is expected to miss at least the first month of the campaign because of a shoulder injury sustained during Friday's preseason opener.
Cardoso was the third overall pick in what was a loaded draft class this season. As a senior for Dawn Staley's Gamecocks, the Brazilian native averaged 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
The 6-7 center is part of what's expected to be a dynamic rookie duo with Angel Reese, the standout frontcourt player who helped LSU win the 2023 national championship. However, Chicago fans are going to have to wait a little longer to see the two first-year pros in action during the regular season.
Here's more to know about Cardoso's injury and a timeline for her return.
MORE: Get to know more about Kamilla Cardoso's family, Brazilian background
How long is Kamilla Cardoso out?
Cardoso is expected to miss the next four-to-six weeks with a shoulder injury, meaning she will miss the Sky's season opener on Wednesday, May 15 against the Dallas Wings.
INBOX: The shoulder injury Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso sustained in the preseason game against the Lynx will keep her sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) May 6, 2024
No detail on what the specifics of the injury are, just that she will be reevaluated in that timeframe.
Given the timeframe, the center may not be available until the middle of June, meaning she would miss six-to-12 games, including a highly anticipated June 1 showdown against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Kamilla Cardoso injury update
Cardoso was injured at some point during the Sky's preseason game on Friday, May 3 against the Minnesota Lynx. The exact injury is not known at this point, other than that it is a shoulder injury.
She was seen hurt at some point during the preseason contest, staying down on the court before a trainer came over and appeared to look at the right shoulder.
Kamilla Cardoso was shaken up and Angel Reese was right there to make sure her teammate was alright. These two are doing to be a problem in the paint for opposing teams. pic.twitter.com/xuXFqgF7qX
— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) May 4, 2024
Cardoso played 13 minutes for the Sky in the exhibition matchup, recording six points, four rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and one steal. Chicago lost the game 92-81 to Minnesota.
Snappy play from Kamilla Cardoso to draw the double in the post, recognize where the help is coming from, and hit the cutter pic.twitter.com/ZqKY8aLK8e
— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) May 5, 2024