— Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward and two-time WNBA All-Star, has apologised after public comments this week questioning the club’s roster and coaching approach, saying she may seek a new direction if the franchise does not add higher-caliber players. The remarks came after Chicago’s 10-30 season mark and a Wednesday rout of Connecticut in which Reese posted 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Key Takeaways
- Angel Reese said she might look elsewhere if the Sky do not strengthen their roster in the offseason.
- The Sky improved to 10-30 after a win over Connecticut; Reese had 18 points and 13 rebounds in that game.
- Reese averages 14.6 points and a league-leading 12.6 rebounds and remains under her rookie contract for at least one more season.
- She later apologised to teammates and said her words were taken out of context and that she must choose language more carefully.
- Reese urged the organisation to pursue younger, proven winners rather than relying on returning veterans, specifically noting Courtney Vandersloot’s ACL recovery.
Verified Facts
Reese made the comments in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, saying she is “very vocal” about what the team needs and that she wants to play with top-tier players. The Sky’s record stood at 10-30 after the recent win; the franchise has gone 3-15 since the All-Star break, a stretch during which Reese missed multiple games due to a back issue.
Selected seventh overall in last season’s WNBA draft, Reese is averaging 14.6 points per game and a league-best 12.6 rebounds. She remains under her rookie contract for at least one more season, giving both player and club time to negotiate a path forward but also making her public stance significant for offseason planning.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 14.6 |
| Rebounds per game | 12.6 (league leader) |
| Draft position | No. 7 (2024 draft) |
| Team record (after Connecticut win) | 10–30 |
After the game, Reese walked back some of her language and said she had apologised to teammates. She acknowledged frustration with herself and said she did not intend to demean teammates who have worked alongside her all season. Reese said she must be more careful because “it’s not the message, it’s the messenger,” meaning how comments are received can overshadow intent.
Context & Impact
The Sky’s struggles this season have intensified scrutiny on roster construction and coaching. Reese questioned whether the current group and coaching methods are enough to compete for championships and suggested the organisation should target experienced winners who are still in their primes.
Her comments singled out the team’s reliance on injured veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who is recovering from an ACL tear. Vandersloot was instrumental in the Sky’s 2021 championship run, but Reese said the team cannot base future plans on an uncertain long-term return.
Public candidness from a high-profile young star can accelerate front-office conversations about trades, free agency targets and coaching evaluations. Reese’s status as a high-rebound, high-impact player gives her leverage in shaping the team’s offseason agenda, even as any roster changes will depend on cap room, assets and broader strategy.
Official Statements
“I probably am frustrated with myself right now … I really didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates,”
Angel Reese
Unconfirmed
- No specific trade discussions or suitors have been publicly confirmed by the Sky or Reese’s representatives.
- It is unconfirmed whether the club will change coaching staff or pursue particular free agents referenced in media speculation.
Bottom Line
Reese’s remarks and subsequent apology spotlight a pivotal offseason for the Chicago Sky. Management now faces pressure to demonstrate a clear plan for improvement—whether by upgrading personnel or adjusting coaching—if it wants to retain a young star who has publicly stated she seeks championship-calibre teammates.