Sky guard Kahleah Copper embraces bigger role with overseas team

Sky guard Kahleah Copper has taken her game to the next level in Poland.

In a combined 14 EuroCup and BLK games with InvestInTheWest Enea Gorzow Wielkopolski, Copper is averaging 20.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists — a drastic improvement from the 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists she averaged in 34 games with the Sky in 2019.

Copper hasn’t changed her workout regimen or diet since moving to Poland. Actually, to make herself feel more at home, she brought a large suitcase filled with some of her favorite snacks, including Goldfish, Doritos, Milano cookies and sweet-and-spicy tuna packets.

Instead, Copper’s much-improved numbers are a result of taking advantage of her increased opportunities with Gorzow as a starter.

“It’s always different overseas and the WNBA,” Copper told the Sun-Times in a phone interview this week. “In the WNBA, everyone’s just as good. Here, I have a bigger role, and I’m embracing it and also trying to be a leader, and I think the scoring is just coming with it. I’m just taking in my role and trying to do whatever I can for my team.”

And Copper hopes the Sky and other WNBA teams take notice.

Copper’s rookie contract will officially expire at the start of the new year, making her a restricted free agent.

Copper, whom the Sky acquired from the Mystics as part of the Elena Delle Donne trade in 2017, has shown flashes of her athleticism and speed as a reserve the last few seasons.

“People know I can play, people know what I can do,” Copper said. “I’ve played in the league for a couple of years. And I think they’re familiar with my game and what I’m able to do.

“With me being over here, being able to really show them my game . . . they can also see more of what I can do.”

On almost any other team, Sky coach James Wade believes Copper would be a starter.

“She’s probably one of the most athletic guards in the league with her ability to cover ground and because of her attention to detail on the defensive end,” Wade said in July.

But with three All-Stars in the Sky’s starting lineup last season, Copper willingly accepted her spot as the sixth woman off the bench.

Wade has said he wants to bring back the same team next season. But it’s unclear whether that will be feasible, as some of his top players — including starters Stefanie Dolson, Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot — are due for new deals. The collective-bargaining agreement, which is set to expire Dec. 31, also likely will have an impact on free agency next year.

Copper has been trying to focus solely on playing for Gorzow. Still, Gabby Williams, the Sky’s union representative, has kept her and her teammates updated on the ongoing CBA negotiations.

“I wasn’t too familiar with it,” Copper admitted. “But now I’m getting familiar with it, especially because I’m coming up on my contract year, which will be very interesting.”

Of course, Copper said, she would love to remain a member of the Sky. But it’s hard to expect a player of her caliber to turn down a better offer with another team.

“I love Chicago, I love my teammates and I love my coaches,” Copper said. “So in a perfect world, Chicago is a great place for me. But I’m not just going to completely shut out other options because I don’t know what’s out there for me. So I’m just going to see.”

As will the rest of the WNBA.