Sky sign point guard Natasha Cloud

Natasha Cloud finally found a landing spot. The Sky signed the veteran point guard to a one-year deal worth $555,000, according to ESPN.

"Natasha is one of the best passers and defenders in our league," general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. "She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster."

In 10 seasons, Cloud's resume includes three All-Defensive team selections and a championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019. She averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Liberty last season.

But weeks into training camp, she remained unsigned.

"I don't think anyone anticipated Tash being available at this point," coach Tyler Marsh said. "It was a surprise to everyone. But once we understood that we had the opportunity to bring her along, then obviously you have conversations with players and amongst the front office and coaching staff."

Marsh believes Cloud will help elevate the team's culture, highlighting her passion, toughness, energy and communication.

And with several key players sidelined, her on-court production matters just as much as her presence.

Cloud will immediately upgrade the Sky's perimeter defense while wing DiJonai Carrington is out. She'll also shoulder ballhandling responsibilities while veteran Courtney Vandersloot continues to rehab an ACL injury.

Yet Cloud won’t answer one of the team’s lingering questions: floor spacing. Marsh wants to increase the team's 3-point volume, but the guards on the roster are more slashers than shooters. Cloud is only a 31.3% shooter from 3-point range for her career.

The other question is what happens when the roster is fully healthy. The Sky now have three accomplished point guards in Cloud, Vandersloot and Skylar Diggins — all of whom will expect significant minutes.

"Skylar, Tash and Sloot are more similar than they are different," Marsh said. "They're like-minded players. They've cut their teeth at the point guard position, but there's also times throughout their careers, especially with Skylar, where she's been able to play off the ball. Now we have another added piece that we can throw in the mix. Tash is very versatile on both ends of the floor as well."

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