The Chicago Sky have officially turned the page. With Monday's trade sending star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, the franchise is entering a new era and holds the keys to a crucial rebuild. That process could accelerate dramatically next Monday at the 2026 WNBA Draft, where the Sky own the valuable fifth overall pick.

According to Hunter Cruse's latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, Chicago is predicted to use that selection on UCLA's national champion guard, Kiki Rice. Cruse projects Rice as the clear best player available at that spot, a dynamic talent who could immediately help reshape the Sky's identity.

Rice's game is defined by explosive athleticism and two-way intensity. "Her game is built around her explosive, downhill driving style," Cruse wrote, highlighting her ability to change direction and attack the rim with a low center of gravity. Defensively, she brings the size and strength to guard multiple positions, making her a potential cornerstone for a team looking to establish a new culture.

Perhaps most encouraging for her pro projection are the staggering year-over-year improvements in her shooting. Scouts' primary questions about her game have been answered emphatically this season, with her pull-up three-point percentage skyrocketing from 13.3% to 35.5%. This development transforms her from a pure slasher into a complete offensive threat.

After trading a foundational piece in Reese, the Sky need a player who can contribute across the board. Kiki Rice, with her championship pedigree, improved shooting, and all-around skill set, appears to be precisely that kind of versatile building block. For a Chicago team charting its post-Reese course, drafting Rice could be the perfect first step.