Could the Chicago Sky have already lost their rookie rebounding queen, Angel Reese, to a mix of injury and internal drama?
New York Post reported that Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, has found herself at the center of a storm involving a back injury, a half-game suspension, and whispers of a potential trade request, casting doubt on her future with a franchise that once saw her as a cornerstone.
From the moment Reese stepped onto the court as a rookie, she dominated the boards, leading the WNBA in rebounds for the season. Yet, her meteoric rise hit a snag with a lingering back issue that sidelined her for seven games earlier this year. Now, that same injury has kept her off the floor in recent matchups, raising eyebrows about whether it’s just physical pain or something deeper.
The real sparks flew during the Sky’s 80-66 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on September 9, when Reese’s post-game comments landed her a half-game suspension for statements deemed harmful to the team. In a candid interview with the Chicago Tribune, she didn’t hold back, saying, “I’m not settling.” Well, that’s a bold stance, but airing dirty laundry publicly rarely wins friends in a team sport.
Reese doubled down in the same chat, declaring, “We can’t settle.” It’s hard to argue with her desire for excellence, but when the organization—and veterans like Courtney Vandersloot and Elizabeth Williams—sided with the locker room over her, it’s clear her words struck a nerve. This isn’t about silencing a player; it’s about protecting team unity over individual gripes.
Following the backlash, Reese issued a public apology to her teammates, a move that shows maturity but might not mend all fences. The damage may already be done, especially with her absence from the court since that game. Was this just a rookie misstep, or a sign of deeper cracks?
Reese didn’t suit up for the rematch against Las Vegas just days after the suspension, officially ruled out due to her back troubles. Head coach Tyler Marsh noted after warmups that she “wasn’t feeling it physically,” and the team opted not to push her. Fair enough, but the timing feels awfully convenient for some skeptics.
With Reese listed as questionable for the Sky’s season finale against the Liberty on September 11 at home, fans are left wondering if they’ll see her in a Chicago uniform again this year. Speculation is swirling that she might be sitting out in silent protest over the strained relationship with the team. It’s a theory that’s hard to dismiss given the recent tension.
Images of Reese perched on the scorer's table and at the end of the bench during the Aces game in Las Vegas only fuel the narrative of disconnection. Was she just resting that back, or sending a message? The optics aren’t great for a player meant to be the future of this franchise.
Adding to the uncertainty, there’s chatter that Reese could request a trade, despite having two years left on her rookie deal before hitting restricted free agency. For a team like the Sky, already missing the playoffs for the second straight year just four seasons after a WNBA title, losing a talent like Reese would be a gut punch. But can they afford to keep a player who might not want to stay?
Let’s not ignore the bigger picture: the Sky’s struggles aren’t just about one player. This season’s disappointments reflect a need for broader changes, something Reese herself hinted at in her controversial remarks. While her delivery was clumsy, her frustration with mediocrity isn’t exactly misplaced.
Still, team chemistry matters, and Fever guard Sophie Cunningham put it bluntly on her podcast, saying, “There’s just some things that you can’t say.” She’s not wrong—protecting the locker room should be a priority, no matter how “authentic” someone wants to be. Reese’s push for better talent is valid, but there’s a time and place, and a public interview might not be it.
What does the future hold for Reese with the Chicago Sky? Despite being viewed as a foundational piece, the combination of injury, suspension, and apparent discord has left her status murky at best. Fans deserve clarity, but for now, all we have are questions.
As conservatives, we often champion individual grit, and Reese has that in spades with her rebounding prowess and unapologetic drive. Yet, there’s also a value in team loyalty and knowing when to keep internal matters behind closed doors, something she might need to learn. Her talent is undeniable, but talent alone doesn’t build a winning culture.
Whether Reese plays in the finale or not, the Sky must address this rift before it festers further. A franchise already stumbling outside the playoff picture can’t afford to lose a star over miscommunication or bruised egos. Here’s hoping both sides find common ground—because basketball, like life, thrives on unity over division.
