Sky guard Sydney Taylor earns AP All-Rookie honors

Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor was named to the Associated Press All-Rookie team Sunday, earning her first major award after a season in which she became a starter. The recognition gives Chicago fans an individual achievement to celebrate as attention turns toward the team's offseason and Taylor's future with the Sky.

Taylor averaged 13.6 points and two assists across 37 appearances this season. Her scoring average increased to 15.4 points after she moved into the starting lineup, a gain of 1.8 points over her full-season average. Those numbers highlight the scoring contribution she made as her role with Chicago expanded.

Her route to the honor included time outside the WNBA. Taylor was not selected in the draft after college and spent the previous two years playing overseas. She then earned both a starting role with the Sky and a place among the rookies recognized by the AP, making her season a notable step forward in her professional career.

Taylor shares the All-Rookie recognition with AP Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles, Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd, Seattle Storm player Flau'jae Johnson, the New York Liberty's Pauline Astier and the Toronto Tempo's Kiki Rice. The selection places Taylor alongside a group of first-year players honored across the league, rather than only within Chicago's roster.

The next question for Sky followers is her contract. Taylor will enter the offseason as a reserved free agent, which means she can negotiate only with Chicago. She told the Chicago Sun-Times she is interested in signing a multiyear agreement with the team. That is an expression of interest, not an announced deal, but it provides a useful indication of her hopes following an award-winning season.