Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot expected to debut Friday against Fire

At last, Courtney Vandersloot is back.

After more than a year rehabbing an ACL injury, the Sky point guard is expected to return Friday against the Fire barring a setback, multiple sources confirmed to the Sun-Times.

Vandersloot played most of her 15-year career with the Sky, led the franchise to its only championship in 2021 and remains the team’s all-time leader in points, assists and steals. She also is chasing Sue Bird as the WNBA’s all-time assists leader.

Now the question is what Vandersloot, 37, can do for a Sky team sitting at 5-12, reeling from another ACL injury — this one to leading scorer Rickea Jackson — and still trying to find itself on offense.

Vandersloot thinks her impact comes down to comfort and structure.

“That’s where strength is, just getting the offense to flow and run well,” Vandersloot told the Sun-Times on June 16. “I can get people shots that they’re used to getting. The [biggest thing] is just the leadership out there. People feel comfortable when I’m on the floor with them and I’m hoping that that helps us in certain moments.”

Vandersloot has been practicing fully since early June, and teammates have been encouraged by the way she has looked. Coach Tyler Marsh keeps using the same word: fluid. The offense looks more fluid with Vandersloot on the floor.

The Sky are coming off a commanding win against the Fire, one they badly needed after losing 11 of their previous 12 games. They get another shot at the Fire on Friday, this time with a chance to start stacking wins before the All-Star break.

The Sky cleared the way for Vandersloot’s return by waiving Saylor Poffenbarger, who was on a hardship contract.