Cloud credits her new representation, Fabio Jardine and First Pick Management, with resolving her free agency crisis after her previous agency released her.
The guard also shared a philosophical view on the delay, attributing it to a higher purpose.
"I think everyone expected me to be 'crash-out Tash' and to be blunt and talk my [stuff] as I usually do, but there's growth here," Cloud said.
"I've really worked on who I am as a human being. I've worked on my water as well as my fire and when to use it."
The motivation gained from the extended wait continues to fuel Cloud's aggressive play style on the court.
She expressed a renewed sense of competitive energy and gratitude for the opportunity.
"So I changed my perspective of it. It wasn't 'woe is me,' it wasn't 'sad me.'
It was, 'I'm going to work, and when I get that opportunity I'm going to come in and smack the [crap] out of everybody — because that's just who I am.'"
Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca has completely revamped the team's culture around a blueprint of toughness and grit.
Cloud noted that the organization actively invested in changing its trajectory following consecutive losing seasons.
"I will say Chicago has completely revamped," Cloud said.
"I think they took all the [crap] sh— being said the last few years and they put their money where their mouth is and they invested into this thing completely.
And to be here when it's being revamped is a meaningful feeling."
