Chicago Slice 2025 Draft Strategy: The 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) draft was a crucial turning point for several teams, none more so than the newly promoted Chicago Slice. After an impressive first-place finish in the 2024 Challenger regular season, the Slice faced a unique challenge: they were unable to retain any of their four players for 2025 due to contract issues. This created an uncertain path forward for the squad, but it also provided an opportunity for fresh blood to infuse the team.
For Ron Saslow, Chicago Slice majority owner and general manager, the 2025 draft would be a defining moment for the team’s future. The stakes were high, and the pressure was on to build a competitive roster out of the existing waiver pool, all while navigating the complex dynamics of team construction in a league as unpredictable as MLP.
Preparation and Aggression: The Mindset Behind the 2025 Draft Strategy
Heading into the off-season, Saslow and his team spent considerable time analyzing various draft scenarios. According to Saslow, the decision to go big in the 2025 draft wasn’t made overnight. It was the result of extensive planning and several potential draft strategies. “We had a great team helping us, and we played through different scenarios,” Saslow said. “One was a ‘mad rush’ of top eligible players, while others had rebuilding teams being less aggressive. We just didn’t know how everyone was going to handle it. We had a plan, but we had to have lots of different versions of draft strategies.”
Saslow’s team used a combination of analytics and scouting to guide their decisions. He added, “We use a fair amount of analytics, and match it up with educated gut feel and scouting. Our ownership group also includes paddle brands Paddletek & ProXR, and we have available resources from that side of the business. We’re constantly working with players; we know them inside and out. It’s kind of an unfair advantage in some respects since we’re working with players 52 weeks of the year.”
This level of familiarity with players and the game gave the Slice a distinct edge over other teams. “I can’t imagine there’s another team in the league that knows players as well as we do,” Saslow noted.
The Draft: Strategic Moves and Key Player Picks
When the draft kicked off, Saslow and his team faced the dilemma of needing to rebuild with no retained players from 2024. Unlike many of the teams that kept most of their roster intact, Chicago was starting from scratch. The initial picks of the draft were predictable, with top teams like the Shock and Dallas securing their previous players. But as the draft progressed, Saslow’s team realized that talent was still on the board, and they seized the opportunity to build aggressively.
The first key pick was James Ignatowich, selected 5th overall for $90,000. Saslow explained, “As the draft moved along, we realized there was going to be talent available. So we went aggressive with Ignatowich, then quickly built a team around him.” The team also focused on securing strong women players to balance out the roster, landing Vivienne David (9th overall for $80,000) and Callie Smith (12th overall for $70,000). Additionally, they made a solid pick with Max Freeman, a player Saslow described as “underrated” but highly promising, chosen 10th overall for $80,000.
Budgeting and Flexibility: A Strategic Balance
While the draft decisions were aggressive, Saslow’s team maintained a flexible approach to budgeting. “We had a framework of a budget, but it was also going to depend on the direction of the draft,” he shared. The initial goal was to put together a competitive team without overspending, but as they saw an opportunity to secure strong talent, they didn’t hesitate to allocate funds accordingly.
“We didn’t think we’d be as good as we ended up being, but being prepared helped,” Saslow reflected. “All credit is due to our draft team for being prepared and adapting. Our post-draft grades from writers bore this out, with many giving us an A+.” Their calculated approach to spending, combined with their in-depth knowledge of players, led to a draft haul that many analysts viewed as a potential playoff team for 2025.
Team Chemistry and the Bench: Building for the Future
While the focus was on the starting four, Saslow was also keen on building a strong bench. “It’s not just about getting the best players. It’s really important to consider chemistry and to do player matchup analysis,” Saslow explained. “Right and left-sided players, gender and mixed — it’s never as easy as just taking the ‘best player available.’” Saslow also stressed the importance of bench players Carlos Imparato and Di Laura, who, in addition to being integral practice partners, could contribute to the team’s success during the season.
Carlos Imparato, acting as both coach and player, brings valuable leadership and experience. Saslow expressed confidence that both Imparato and Di Laura would be able to step up if called upon, despite being on the periphery of the starting lineup.
Looking Beyond the Draft: Strategic Vision for 2025 and Beyond
In an intriguing turn, Saslow explained that the team’s decision not to go all-in during the 2024 draft paid off in the long run. “We decided to save the money in 2024 for 2025 and beyond,” Saslow said. “We knew we’d be in Premier year two, so it didn’t make sense to spend big in 2024. Now, looking at what Premier league teams spent in 2024 versus what we’re spending in 2025, we look a lot better off.”
Saslow’s team spent just $320,000 to construct its starting four lineup, a stark contrast to other teams that had spent upwards of $500,000 in previous years. This strategy allowed them to enter 2025 with financial flexibility and a well-rounded, competitive roster that could make a significant impact in the league.
A Bold and Adaptable Approach: Ready for the 2025 Season
As the 2025 season approaches, Saslow is optimistic about the Slice’s prospects. He acknowledges the unpredictable nature of professional pickleball but believes the team’s preparation, adaptability, and deep knowledge of the players will give them an edge. “Pickleball is a funny sport. Some of our star players now were not known even a year ago,” Saslow remarked, highlighting the potential for up-and-coming talent to surprise. “Maybe we get lucky with an emerging star — that’s not a terrible strategy.”
With a blend of experience, fresh talent, and a carefully crafted roster, the Chicago Slice are positioned to be a formidable force in 2025. Saslow’s vision for the team has set them up for success, and with their eyes firmly set on the playoffs, the Slice are poised to make a big splash in the Premier League. As Saslow said in closing, “We look forward to the 2025 season. It’s going to be a great ride.”
News in Brief: Chicago Slice 2025 Draft Strategy
Chicago Slice GM Ron Saslow shared insights on the team’s aggressive 2025 MLP draft strategy, focusing on a blend of analytics, scouting, and flexibility. Despite entering with no retained players, the Slice built a competitive roster, including top picks like James Ignatowich and Vivienne David. Saslow’s strategic moves position the team for a strong playoff run in 2025.
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