Angel Reese has been a consistent winner throughout her basketball journey, securing championships in high school and with the LSU Tigers in the NCAA. However, her first two seasons in the WNBA have not mirrored that success, leading to doubt among fans regarding whether she should continue playing this season. This uncertainty has emerged amid the Chicago Sky’s ongoing difficulties in the league.

Chicago Sky’s Decline Impacts Team and Fan Expectations

Teams with top draft picks often arrive there due to poor performance, but the Chicago Sky do not entirely fit this pattern. Before selecting Reese in the 2024 draft, the team had made the playoffs the previous year. Unfortunately, they couldn’t sustain that success during her rookie season, finishing with a 13-27 record and placing ninth in the league. The following season has offered little improvement, as the Sky currently hold a 7-19 record, which ranks as the second-worst in the league. Although playoff elimination is not official, expectations for a turnaround are minimal.

Speculation Around Focusing on Future Draft Picks

Given the team’s performance, many fans believe the Sky should shift their focus toward securing a high selection in the 2026 WNBA Draft, potentially rebuilding for the future. However, some suggest that Reese’s continued presence on the court complicates that goal, a perspective quickly challenged by experts within the league.

You, as the franchise player of that team, are going to want to do what you can do for your team when you’re healthy,

Ari Chambers said on WNBA Hoop Streams.

I’m not sitting out if I’m Angel.

—Ari Chambers, Analyst

Reese’s Competitive Spirit and Injury Status

Angel Reese’s competitive nature is well-documented, making it unlikely she would decide to sit out voluntarily this season. The only plausible reason for her absence would be due to injury. Presently, Reese has missed the last two games because of a back injury, but the Chicago Sky organization is treating it as a precautionary situation rather than a severe concern.

The Debate Over Reese’s Future with the Chicago Sky

With another disappointing season, questions arise about the future of the franchise and Reese’s place within it. Despite these doubts, Ari Chambers firmly believes Reese’s position with the Sky is secure.

If it’s time for her to go, where is she going? This is the future of their franchise. She’s a double-double machine and has made history as a sophomore in this league,

Chambers proclaimed. —Ari Chambers, Analyst

Letting go of Reese so early in her career would be unprecedented for the Sky. Beyond her on-court contributions, Reese is a marketable figure whose name significantly boosts ticket sales and the team’s overall brand presence, assets the club is unlikely to abandon easily.

Evaluating Reese’s Season Beyond Team Performance

Winning games is not the only measure of progress for the Chicago Sky. Analyst LaChina Robinson highlighted Reese’s personal development this season despite the team’s struggles.

One of the beauties of this season has been watching Angel Reese blossom as a player,

Robinson said. —LaChina Robinson, Analyst

This season, Reese is averaging 14.2 points and 12.6 rebounds per game while improving her shooting efficiency from 39% in her rookie year to 44% this year. Her steady improvement signals a rising trajectory, posing a challenge for opponents across the league.

Building Toward a Stronger Future for the Sky

Although the Chicago Sky are currently underperforming, they possess promising pieces to build upon. Alongside Angel Reese, young talents like Kamilla Cardoso and Hailey Van Lith form a core that could elevate the team significantly over the next few years. This foundation provides hope that the franchise’s future remains bright despite short-term setbacks.