Aussie legend’s daughter brutally cut after 31 minutes in America

Shyla Heal has quickly discovered the brutal business reality of professional sport after being dumped just weeks into her rookie WNBA season.

Rising Australian star Shyla Heal has vowed to revive her career after being brutally traded and then waived, just weeks into her rookie WNBA season.

Heal was cut by the Chicago Sky while at the airport preparing for her first road trip on Thursday. She was traded to the Dallas Wings, who then waived the 19-year-old daughter of Aussie legend Shane Heal.

In a showcase of the brutal business reality of professional sport, her departure from Chicago is only six weeks after the franchise selected her as the 8th pick in the 2021 WNBA draft.

She played just 31 minutes in four games while she was unable to participate in the Sky’s training camp due to a delay with her visa application.

The Sky traded the Sydney-raised guard to Dallas in exchange for shooting guard Dana Evans while the franchise also sent its 2022 third-round pick to the Wings.

Dallas then immediately waived Heal, leaving her without a club.

And while the promising talent is shattered to be released from two WNBA clubs in one day, she is determined to fight for her future.

“It’s really disappointing,” Heal said on her social media.

“It wasn’t my ideal start missing pre-season and not getting many practices with the team, but that is life.

“This setback is exactly what I needed. Not many 19-year-olds get a taste of the best league in the world, if it 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.”

Heal’s father also took to Twitter on Thursday to showcase his support for his daughter.

Heal senior revealed Shyla received the trade news while preparing to travel for a game.

“Being cut at the airport before boarding for the road trip is character building,” said Heal, who also had stints in the NBA with Minnesota and San Antonio.

“Tough break for Shyla Was traded and waived today.

Cheers mate. Being cut at the airport before boarding for the road trip is character building. I luv her resilience. Being 19 & sitting in an apartment alone in Chicago is tough too.She will be ok.Lots of people going thru more difficult things in life.We appreciate the support🙏🏼 https://t.co/umfLcMrexC

— Shane Heal (@ShaneHeal) June 2, 2021

Tough break for Shyla Was traded and waived today. 2 practice sessions & 20 odd mins. The team lost 5 straight home games so they cut 2 first round picks. Great experience that will make her even tougher. It’s a business there. Super proud & know she will kill it there👀

— Shane Heal (@ShaneHeal) June 2, 2021

“Two practice sessions and 20 odd mins. The team lost 5 straight home games, so they cut 2 first round picks.

“Great experience that will make her even tougher. It’s a business there.

“Super proud & know she will kill it there.

“I love her resilience. Being 19 and sitting in an apartment alone in Chicago is tough too. She will be okay. Lots of people going thru more difficult things in life.”

Shyla Heal suited up for just four games with the Chicago Sky. (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)

Heal dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Sparks. (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)

Heal’s departure from Chicago was met with frustration on social media.

Former Australian NBA player and three-time NBL champion Chris Anstey was the most vocal, hitting out at the Chicago Sky for its decision to release Heal junior.

“I’ll be a little more direct than others- the Chicago Sky drafting and then cutting a 19yo for lack of experience is horseshit as a GM, as a coach, as an organisation and even more so, as human beings,” tweeted Anstey, who had NBA stints with Chicago and Dallas.

“Shyla Heal will be great for this, but tough now.”

Heal also received support from Australian NBA star Joe Ingles.

“You are a star mate,” Ingles commented, just hours after helping his Utah Jazz to the Western Conference semi-finals after beating Memphis in the first-round.

“They’ll understand the mistake. Can’t wait to watch you dominating soon.”

In four games with the Sky, Heal averaged 2 points and 2.5 turnovers in 7.8 minutes of play.

Chicago coach and general manager James Wade had touted Heal, who missed out on Opals selection for this year’s Tokyo Olympics, for her professional experience.

Wade said the Sky were getting a player that would have an immediate impact.

At 19 she was one of the youngest players drafted in the 2021 WNBA Draft but has been playing professional basketball in Australia since she was 14.

Wade spoke about the difficulty to release Heal in a club statement.

“It’s tough, but due to visa issues and injuries, Shyla wasn’t getting the chance to prove herself here, and it was unfair,” Wade said.

“This team isn’t the same team we initially expected Shyla to play with, so we had to adjust. Trading her salary allows for us to bring in more veterans, which we will do, allowing our team to be more complete and also protecting us from anything that could happen down the road. We always have to be prepared.”

💙 pic.twitter.com/ZlcG5UbZMa

— Shyla Heal (@shylaheal1) May 22, 2021

Heal won the WNBL’s Youth Player of the Year award in 2020 with averages of 25.3 points and 7.3 assists.

According to reports in Chicago, it was apparent that despite Heal’s professional experience the young rookie has a lot of developing to do before she secures another opportunity in the league.

Originally published as Aussie legend’s daughter brutally cut after 31 minutes in America