The Chicago Sky are confronting a difficult decision regarding Angel Reese as Kamilla Cardoso prepares to leave the team for the Americup tournament, starting after their game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Sparks. Both 2024 first-round draft picks have shown promise, but Cardoso’s temporary absence forces coach Tyler Marsh to adjust his lineup for the foreseeable future.
After a challenging 2024 season that ended with a 13-27 record, the Sky have struggled again in the early part of 2025, with their current record standing at 3-10. Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, both important frontcourt players, have been key contributors this season. Reese, who was not only an All-Rookie selection but also a WNBA All-Star, leads the league in rebounds with an average of 11.5 per game. Meanwhile, Cardoso ranks second on the team with 11.8 points per game, with Reese adding 10.8 points per contest.
The partnership between Reese and Cardoso has been central to the Sky’s new offensive strategies under coach Marsh this season. However, Cardoso will soon leave to represent Brazil in the Americup, confirmed by Sky reporter Karli Bell on Monday.
Confirmed: Kamilla Cardoso will be available for tomorrow’s game and then leaving after for Americup,
—Karli Bell, Sky reporter
Marsh now faces the challenge of how to fill the void left by Cardoso while she competes internationally. One option is moving Angel Reese into the center position and employing a small-ball approach, a strategy the team has practiced while Cardoso was sidelined earlier this month. Reese’s strength in rebounding and ability to space the floor could provide a seamless transition during Cardoso’s absence.
Alternatively, the team might retain its current structure by inserting veteran center Elizabeth Williams into the starting lineup. Williams has shown she can step up, recently scoring a season-high 16 points and pulling down five rebounds in a win over the Dream.
Fans will likely see Reese and Cardoso start together again in Tuesday’s game against the Sparks, but the focus will quickly shift to Marsh’s plan for Friday’s matchup with the Golden State Valkyries, where Cardoso will be absent. How Marsh manages this adjustment could significantly impact the Sky’s prospects during this challenging stretch of the season.