The Chicago Sky have made a huge move, but not in the way they expected. Angel Reese, who had confidently declared that she would help turn Chicago into a championship contender, is facing some hard truths about her impact on the team.
Despite all her claims of dominance and confidence, the reality is that her performance in the league has not matched the expectations.
After a season full of drama, including her rivalry with Caitlyn Clark and her controversial actions on the court, Reese’s future with the WNBA is in jeopardy.
The Chicago Sky had high hopes for Reese when they signed her, but her performance, or lack thereof, in the most crucial moments has left the team questioning its future. The Chicago Sky had the chance to build a powerhouse around Angel Reese, but despite her hype, they struggled.
The team didn’t exactly deliver on its promise, and when free agents were asked to join, none of them were interested. It’s a cold, hard reality that the team faces, and now, they are left with a major gap to fill.
Reese had the opportunity to elevate her team, but instead, her antics on and off the court have only dragged the team down. She was known for her high drama, but not for her high-level basketball. Her physicality and competitiveness were all anyone could talk about, but the substance was missing.
When it came time to deliver, especially in the playoffs, Reese faltered. Missing layups and struggling in key moments became a regular part of her game. And the fans? They started to notice. Her popularity was built on media hype, but when the time came to deliver, the results just weren’t there.
What made matters worse for Reese was her decision to skip the championship game in the Unrivaled League, a tournament she was so eager to tout as a major victory. She chose not to show up, and instead of supporting her team, she was nowhere to be found. This move didn’t just anger fans; it raised serious questions about Reese’s commitment to the game.
A championship game is supposed to be the pinnacle of a player’s career, yet Reese decided it wasn’t worth her time. The media rushed to paint her as a champion, but how can you claim to be a champion when you aren’t even there for the biggest moment?
The moment of truth came when her teammates stepped up and carried the team to victory in her absence. Reese wasn’t even there for the last two games of the playoffs. Instead, she FaceTimed in, pretending like she was still part of the celebration. This wasn’t just a missed opportunity; it was a glaring sign of how out of touch Reese had become with what it takes to truly be a champion. Imagine a player like LeBron James, Steph Curry, or Brianna Stewart missing the championship game and still expecting to be celebrated. That wouldn’t happen. It’s a stark reminder that actions speak louder than words.
The biggest issue is that this type of behavior is exactly what the WNBA doesn’t need. The league needs players who are willing to fight for their team, who put in the work when it matters most. Instead, Reese has become a figure of entertainment, a distraction from the actual game. While the league continues to grow, fueled by true stars like Caitlyn Clark, players like Reese are slowly fading into the background. They may have talent, but without the right mentality and work ethic, they will never reach the level of those who are truly changing the game.
Reese’s public demands for more money, when her performance doesn’t even justify the current contract, have drawn significant criticism. She has complained about her WNBA salary, claiming that it doesn’t even cover her rent, which, at $8,000 a month, is more than her entire salary. But let’s be honest, a professional athlete making over $70,000 a year shouldn’t be complaining about rent. Instead, Reese should focus on improving her game and making sure she can back up her demands with solid performance. Instead of focusing on getting better and putting in the work, she has spent the season talking about how she deserves more money, even though her on-court product hasn’t proven it.
Now, the WNBA’s real star, Caitlyn Clark, has taken over the spotlight. Clark has become a phenomenon, with her game-breaking plays and undeniable skill, she is setting new standards in the league. Her arrival has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA, with record-breaking attendance and TV ratings. Clark’s influence is undeniable. She has proven herself not just as a superstar, but as the face of the league. Every time Clark steps onto the court, fans flood the arenas, and TV ratings soar. This is what true stardom looks like.
Reese, on the other hand, has struggled to capture that same attention. Her games are not selling out, and her performances are often marked by missed opportunities. Her reliance on physicality over skill has hindered her growth as a player. Reese’s own team, the Chicago Sky, couldn’t even convince other top players to join them. Meanwhile, other teams have built formidable rosters that are serious contenders for championships, while Chicago is stuck in a cycle of disappointment.
The harsh reality for Reese is that her time to shine is slipping away. She may have been a star in college, but the professional level is different. Players are no longer going to praise her for what she did in college. They are looking at what she can do now. Reese has to step up and prove that she deserves to be a leader in this league. Until she can do that, her career may continue to decline, and her championship dreams will remain unfulfilled.
This is a wake-up call for not just Reese, but for all players in the league. The WNBA is growing, and players who want to succeed in it must put in the work. They must be willing to put their egos aside and focus on the game. Players like Caitlyn Clark are showing what it means to be a true professional, while others, like Reese, are getting lost in the noise. The league’s future depends on the players who can consistently perform and elevate their teams, not those who are more interested in self-promotion.
The upcoming season is crucial for Reese. She has to prove that she belongs at the top of the WNBA. The clock is ticking, and if she doesn’t step up, she could find herself left behind in a league that is quickly moving forward. Fans are excited about the future of women’s basketball, but they will only stay interested if the players are living up to the hype. Caitlyn Clark has already shown that she can lead a team to greatness. The question now is whether Angel Reese can follow suit or if she will fade into the background as just another overhyped player.
At the end of the day, the WNBA’s future lies with players who can deliver on their promises. Angel Reese may have the talent, but she needs to prove she has the mentality and skill to back it up. The ball is in her court.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyEGQd2ypBw
