Australian basketballer Shyla Heal has learned the hard way about the business of professional sport, after the WNBA rookie was traded and then swiftly waived just six weeks after being drafted.
Heal, who is the daughter of Boomers legend Shane Heal, was the eighth overall pick in the 2021 WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky.
But after only four games totalling 31 minutes on court, Heal was unceremoniously traded and then left without a team, with her father revealing she got the news while on the road.
"It's a really disappointing day to be released from the WNBA," Heal tweeted.
The NSW product was not able to train in pre-season with the Sky due to visa issues, and partly blamed that for her slow start.
"It wasn't the ideal start missing pre-season and not getting many practices with the team but that's life," Heal said.
"This setback is exactly what I needed. Not many 19-year-olds get a taste of the best league in the world, if at all… and now I've NEVER been so motivated!
"I can't wait to show people what I can really do. Onwards and upwards with a positive mindset and things to prove.
"Thanks to everyone for their support. COMING BACK BETTER BABY."
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPpS378lWQN/
Heal senior agreed that his daughter would be better for the experience in the long run.
"Being cut at the airport before boarding for the road trip is character building," Heal said on Twitter.
"Tough break for Shyla Was traded and waived today.
"Two practice sessions and 20 odd mins. The team lost five straight home games, so they cut two first round picks. Great experience that will make her even tougher. It's a business there.
"Super proud and know she will kill it there [in WNBA].
"I love her resilience," he tweeted.
"Being 19 and sitting in an apartment alone in Chicago is tough too. She will be okay. Lots of people going through more difficult things in life."
https://twitter.com/ShaneHeal/status/1400212933758521347https://twitter.com/ShaneHeal/status/1400223409481547780
The Sky traded Heal and a 2022 third-round pick to the Dallas Wings in exchange for guard Dana Evans. But Dallas chose to waive Heal shortly after the trade.
At 19 she was the youngest player in the WNBA, and reports emerged that the Sky were concerned with Heal's inexperience, a criticism Aussie former first-round NBA draftee Chris Anstey described as "horses–t".
"I'll be a little more direct than others – the Chicago Sky drafting and then cutting a 19-year-old for lack of experience is horses–t as a GM, as a coach, as an organisation and even more so, as human beings," Anstey tweeted.
"Shyla Heal will be great for this, but tough now."
Heal was praised for her mature reaction to being cut.
"You are a star mate! They'll understand the mistake.. can't wait to watch u dominating soon!" Aussie Utah Jazz star Joe Ingles replied to her on Instagram.
In four games Heal averaged under 8 minutes of game time, and finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
https://twitter.com/ChrisAnstey13/status/1400244322092474373https://twitter.com/DamianArsenis/status/1400240269837029378
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.