Chicago Sky

With additional focus on the racism shown by some WNBA fans during the regular season and the playoffs, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese called out the media for its role in the entire situation.

Reese responded to a conversation about the racist slurs some players have faced and said she has "been going through this for the last two years." She also said the media has "benefited from my pain" in order "to create a narrative."

The high-profile rookie also explained that she started her podcast "to take my voice back" and said that "something has to change."

Y’all know i’ve been going through this for the last 2 years but was told “save the tears” & “stop playing victim”. Y’all a little late to the party and could have tried to put out this fire way before it started…. https://t.co/EuMfYtzgSA

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 26, 2024

For the past 2 years, the media has benefited from my pain & me being villainized to create a narrative. They allowed this. This was beneficial to them. I sometimes share my experiences of things that have happened to me but I’ve also allowed this to happen to me for way too long…

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 27, 2024

I’ve never in my life had privilege but I definitely know the power I have through my platform. That didn’t come overnight. I grew that on my OWN. With that being said, I will continue to use my voice in the right way & say what’s right even though it has backfired on me to be…

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 26, 2024

Her comments come after Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas specifically called out some Indiana Fever fans for their racism after the first-round series between the two teams:

"In my 11-year career, I've never experienced the racial comments from the Indiana Fever fan base. It's unacceptable, honestly. There's no place for it. We've been professional throughout the whole entire thing, but I've never been called the things that I've been called on social media.

"Basketball is headed in a great direction, but we don't want fans that are going to degrade us and call us racial names. I mean, we already see what's happening in the world and what we have to deal with in that aspect. And we come to play basketball for our job and it's fun, but we don't want to go to work every day and have social media blown up over things like that. It's uncalled for. Something needs to be done, whether it's them checking their fans or this league checking, there's no time for it anymore."

Sun guard DiJonai Carrington also posted a screenshot of the racist and threatening message she received on social media.

With all that as a backdrop, the WNBA released a statement Wednesday that said, in part, it "will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league."

pic.twitter.com/z6WU4momL0

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 26, 2024

The WNBA saw record ratings this season and skyrocketed in popularity.

Some of that popularity was inspired by the high-profile rookie class that notably included Reese and Caitlin Clark. They were connected to each other well before they arrived in the WNBA after Iowa and LSU faced each other in the 2023 national championship game and again in the 2024 Elite Eight.

While many assumed there's a rivalry between Clark and Reese, they have publicly praised each other amid the additional attention they have received.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese revealed that she was fearful as she entered the WNBA with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Reese discussed her adjustment to the league during the latest episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, with special guest and WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes.

"When I came into the league, I was scared," she admitted (19:33 mark). "I'm not somebody to be scared, but I was just scared. I didn't think nobody was going to like me because of everything coming in. I just thought they were just going to treat me like crap."

However, Reese revealed that veteran players such as Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby and Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally made her feel comfortable and alleviated her fears.

"I met a whole bunch of vets and they made me feel really welcome," Reese said. "That's what changed my whole thing and made me feel really comfortable in this league."

After an impressive four-year college career that included a national title in 2023 at LSU, the 22-year-old didn't take long to adjust to the WNBA. While her shooting efficiency fluctuated, she was able to remain a consistent force on the glass.

She averaged 13.1 rebounds in addition to her 13.6 points per game, setting a new WNBA single-season rebounding record. Reese also earned an All-Star nod as well as the June Rookie of the Month award.

Even though her season ended earlier than expected due to a wrist injury, she still wrapped up a historic rookie campaign and looked comfortable on the court while doing so.

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese intends to do her part to bring talent to the Windy City this offseason.

The first-year forward told reporters she's "a good GM on the low" and offered some input to Teresa Weatherspoon and general manager Jeff Pagliocca.

"Obviously players reach out and say they would love to play with me, so I just let (Pagliocca) know and he does what he wants," Reese said, per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune.

Despite playing in such a large market, the Sky have historically struggled to sign or even retain marquee talent.

Candace Parker was the clear exception when she returned home in 2021.

Parker left after just two seasons and the rest of Chicago's championship-winning roster eventually followed her out the door. That was a bit of a reality check in terms of how much — or how little in this case — the Finals run shifted the general perception of the franchise.

The tide might be turning slightly.

The Sky have a promising young core with Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter. In the case of Carter, she's a restricted free agent so re-signing her should be relatively straightforward on the heels of her breakout.

While Chicago is still a long way off returning to a title-contending level, it should be firmly in the conversation for the 2025 playoffs. More broadly, plans to construct a new dedicated practice facility by December 2025 point to a level of organizational investment that has long been lacking.

Per Her Hoop Stats, the Sky are projected to have the second-most salary cap space ($923,625) in the league. Money won't be an issue for Pagliocca, either.

However, other factors are working against Chicago.

This isn't a blockbuster free-agent class coming up because a few stars who were due to hit the open market re-signed with their current teams already. Some of the big names who will be theoretically available (Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum and Alyssa Thomas) don't seem all that likely to leave, limiting the Sky's talent pool further.

The current collective bargaining agreement casts a big shadow over the entire league, too.

Either side can opt out of the CBA after the 2025 season, and the players have every reason to exercise that option since the new media rights deal is poised to send the salary cap skyrocketing. It's not a coincidence there are just 30 players signed to contracts for 2026, per Spotrac. Players have clearly been preparing for a salary spike and don't want to be tied down to a below-market contract.

Because of that, the Sky and every other team will probably struggle to get agreements on deals beyond one year. That's less than ideal for Chicago when it still has a pretty young squad and can't realistically sell a vision of reaching the Finals in 2025.

Still, it can't hurt for Reese to reach out directly to her peers and make a pitch on the Sky's behalf.

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is aiming to help the team take a step forward in 2025.

The first-year forward snapped a photo while following the New York Liberty's 83-69 win over the Atlanta Dream and said the Sky "will make the playoffs next year!!"

"We will make the playoffs next year!! 🙏🏽😇"

Angel Reese is guaranteeing the Sky will partake on the big stage next season 🗣️

(via @Reese10Angel/ IG) pic.twitter.com/1kvjxwJhBD

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 23, 2024

That's not an unreasonable proclamation considering Chicago was only two games off the eighth seed this season. Plenty of early projections had the team finishing last or second from the bottom amid a major rebuild.

The Sky were a little ahead of schedule and Reese was a major reason why. She averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds and set a WNBA record for most consecutive double-doubles with 15.

Guard Chennedy Carter was one of the biggest surprises in the league as well. Having gone unsigned through all of 2023, she returned to the W and posted a career high in scoring average (17.5 points).

Assuming Carter, who's due to be a restricted free agent, is back, the Sky will maintain a promising young core with she, Reese and center Kamilla Cardoso. With $923,625 in salary cap space, they'll have a lot of flexibility with which to improve the roster, too.

The franchise is still a few years away from being a true title contender again, but earning a playoff berth will be attainable.

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese received one fourth-place vote in this year's WNBA MVP balloting.

The No. 7 overall pick finished 12th overall and she wasn't the only first-year standout listed. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was fourth in voting and even collected six votes for third place.

The Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson was the unanimous winner with 67 first-place votes.

Just in from the #WNBA:

Aces superstar A’ja Wilson is the unanimous league MVP, marking her third MVP overall.#IndianaFever rookie Caitlin Clark finishes fourth in MVP voting.

List:

• A’ja Wilson
• Napheesa Collier
• Breanna Stewart
• Caitlin Clark
• Alyssa Thomas pic.twitter.com/K7ogpv7csh

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 22, 2024

By any objective measure, the Sky forward exceeded expectations. She averaged 13.6 points and a league-leading 13.1 rebounds in 34 appearances, and she would've held on to the single-season rebounding record if it weren't for a wrist injury that sidelined her for Chicago's last six games.

Reese also averaged double-double in 15 consecutive games to set a new benchmark there.

There simply wasn't a compelling case to put the 22-year-old in the MVP conversation, though, let alone listing her as high as fourth.

The Sky faded badly in the second half of the campaign and wound up with the third-worst record in the league (13-27). Building an MVP candidacy for any player on a lottery team is difficult.

With Reese, it's even tricker to quantify her value to the Sky.

Her gaudy rebounding totals and WNBA-best 26 double-doubles certainly jump out, and Chicago was 21.8 points per 100 possessions better with her on the court, per WNBA.com.

But she shot just 39.1 percent from the field and averaged more turnovers (2.2) than assists (1.9). In addition, her 119 fouls committed were tied for the third-highest of any player, which offset some of her positive influence on defense.

At the end of the day, Reese getting a solitary fourth-place vote for MVP is basically meaningless. It didn't influence the final outcome and most people only remember who won the award rather than the vote shares from a given year.

All this achieves is obscuring what the 22-year-old achieved and instead nitpicking what she didn't do.

Some brand collaborations write themselves.

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese and Reese's Puffs are working together to create "Angel Reese's Puffs," a limited edition edition of the cereal that will feature her on four different boxes.

REESE’S PUFFS Cereal Teams up with All-Star Angel Reese to Release Limited Edition Cereal and Teases Upcoming Fashion Collab: This iconic partnership goes together like chocolate and peanut butter, and celebrates Angel’s status as a dual threat herself –… https://t.co/OHk7ornROy

— Comphies (@ComphiesTees) September 17, 2024

yall better go get a box before they’re gone🤭 https://t.co/uIt8r4nRbW

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 17, 2024

"I'm so excited to partner with such an iconic brand," Reese said in Tuesday's announcement. "Not only does this fulfill my childhood dream of being on a cereal box, but there couldn't be a better fit for me to join forces with than Reese's Puffs cereal. This collaboration is such an honor, and I can't wait for fans to get their hands on the cereal box and see what's next in this partnership."

The former LSU star took center stage in college, helping the Tigers claim a national championship in 2023 and being named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Not only has she remained a box-office success in the WNBA, but she has also made an immediate impact on the floor for Chicago.

Before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery, Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds. She set a record for the most consecutive double-doubles (15) and hauled down more rebounds than any player ever in a single season (446), though Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson will claim the latter soon.

Reese, 22, is poised to be a household name in the league for a long time to come.

Angel Reese could be coming to a theater near you.

"I would love to act," the Chicago Sky rookie said during Thursday's episode of her podcast (24:45 mark). "I want to be in movies, yeah. One day."

Reese first became a household name when she starred at LSU and led the Tigers to a national championship in 2023 and Elite Eight in 2024. Her and Caitlin Clark helped bring unprecedented popularity to women's college basketball, and she was a headliner in the 2024 WNBA draft that drew record ratings.

Parlaying that fame into acting success may have to wait, though, as Chicago selected her with the No. 7 overall pick of that draft and surely expects her to be a franchise building block for years to come.

Unfortunately for the Sky, she is out for the season with a wrist injury. It cut short an impressive rookie campaign that saw her average 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game while setting the WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles.

The Sky are holding onto the final playoff spot in the WNBA standings but are just one game ahead of the Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics. It will likely be difficult to hold the challengers off without Reese, but her expected return next year should help them compete for future postseason spots.

And that might bring even more fame which she could one day turn into an acting career.

The Chicago Sky will be without Angel Reese for the rest of the season thanks to a hairline fracture she suffered Friday, and she provided more details for fans on a social media post.

Reese revealed she could have continued playing instead of undergoing surgery, but that option presented too much risk.

Angel Reese provides more details about her SEI via TikTok.

Hairline fracture incurred Friday. Technically could have played on, but elected for surgery to avoid arthritis, damage, etc.

Timeline: surgery on Tuesday, hard cast for 4 weeks, soft for 2 weeks, then into rehab. pic.twitter.com/Z8MSZbY551

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) September 9, 2024

"The risk of not having surgery, I could literally have arthritis at 22 years old," she said. "That wasn't an option. … Long term, I literally could have not played any more because this is a very hard place to heal because the blood flow is, literally, zero to none. So that wasn't an option."

As a result, she will be in a hard cast for four weeks and a soft cast for two before she can begin the rehab process in full.

The injury cut short a historical rookie season for Reese, who Chicago selected with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft.

She averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from deep. Her rebound average was the highest in league history, and she also set a WNBA rookie record with 26 double-doubles.

As if that wasn't enough, she set the WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles during the season.

The timing of the setback is difficult because she was coming off one of her best performances of the season with 24 points and 12 rebounds on 9-of-15 shooting from the field in Friday's win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

Chicago is also battling for the final playoff spot and is one game ahead of the Atlanta Dream.

This is also another injury for this year's headline rookie class, as Sparks forward Cameron Brink is out for the season with a torn ACL. Brink was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2024 draft and heard her name called right after Caitlin Clark at No. 1.

Clark and Reese are often associated with each other as two of the headline names in the rookie class who faced each other in back-to-back NCAA tournaments.

"It's definitely sad whenever you see anyone go down with an injury, especially people that you came into this league with," Clark told reporters when discussing Reese's injury Sunday. "You want to see her finish out this year. Obviously, she's had a historic year, and she's done some incredible things.

"For me, getting to play against her, her motor is up there—if not the best in the league. She just doesn't stop working. I thought she had a tremendous year. I thought she came into the league and really did what she's done well her entire career as long as I've known her. It's really devastating. It's never anything you want to see from a player."

The timeline of the injury means Reese should be back next season, and the games between the Fever and Sky will once again be appointment viewing.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark says the early end to Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese's season is "definitely devastating."

"It's obviously, definitely sad, anytime you see anybody go down with an injury, especially people that you came into this league with, whether it was [Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink], whether it was Angel, and especially Angel," Clark told reporters before the Fever's Sunday game against the Atlanta Dream (h/t USA Today's Christine Brennan.) "Like, you want to see her finish out this year, obviously, she's had a historic year, and she's done some incredible things."

Caitlin Clark on Angel Reese’s season-ending wrist injury:

“It’s definitely sad whenever you see anyone go down with an injury, especially people that you came into this league with … she’s had a historic year, and she’s done some incredible things.” pic.twitter.com/CY3GTqdIeB

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) September 8, 2024

Clark continued: "For me, getting to play against her, her motor is up there, if not the best in the league, like she just doesn't stop working. So you know, congratulations to her, I thought she had a tremendous year, and I thought she came to the league and really did what she's done well her entire career, as long as I've known her. So, it's definitely devastating. That's never anything you want to see from a player.

"And then obviously, our rookie class has kind of been hit with a few more injuries than you would have liked to see."

Reese announced Saturday on social media that she would miss the remainder of the Sky's 2024 season with a wrist injury.

Brink's rookie season ended in June after the forward suffered a torn ACL during her fifteenth start for the Sparks.

Clark noted she considered both Brink's and Reese's injuries were unavoidable.

"For myself, I think just some of those things, you just can't avoid, especially in their two instances," Clark said. "Obviously, I don't know the specific details, but that's kind of what comes with basketball sometimes.

"So, sad for them, but I think at the same time for myself it's just continuing to take care of your body, take care of yourself. It becomes a long season, especially when you're playing game with one day in between, you really have to prioritize that. But, like I said, some of those things are just unavoidable, and it's sad to see."

Reese finished the season having averaged 13.6 points and an a WNBA-record 13.1 rebounds per game.

The Sky rookie set another league record in July by becoming the first player to record double-doubles in 15 straight games.

Clark has meanwhile been setting her own records in Indiana, including the single-season rookie assists standard and the fastest run to 350 points and 150 points in a season.

The two have been billed as rivals since facing off in the 2023 NCAA national championship game. Throughout their respective rookie All-Star seasons, both Clark and Reese have expressed respect toward one another.

As Reese looks to heal prior to her debut in the Unrivaled 3x3 league this winter, Clark will continue her efforts to lead the Fever into the WNBA playoffs with a Sunday win over the Dream.

Angel Reese's historic rookie year has unfortunately come to an end.

The Chicago Sky star announced on social media Saturday that she has sustained a season-ending injury after 34 games. Though she didn't clarify the specifics of the injury, the team announced that the rookie sustained a wrist ailment that will keep her out for the remainder of the year.

What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol🥲Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed.… pic.twitter.com/re1X85mWR2

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 8, 2024

While Reese, the Sky and fans would have liked to see Reese play a full season and compete in the playoffs, she still gave the WNBA world quite the show in the games she did play and it's clear she's on her way to being a star for years to come.

After the news of Reese's injury, here's a look at her final stats, the records she broke and some of her best highlights from the 2024 season.

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Angel Reese 2024 Stats

Reese averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. She shot 39.1 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from deep, though it was a rare occasion that Reese attempted a shot from beyond the arc.

Reese notched her career-high of 27 points on July 5 against the Seattle Storm and grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds on Aug. 25 against the Las Vegas Aces.

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Angel Reese Records Broken in 2024

• Most consecutive double-doubles by a WNBA player (15)
• Most double-doubles by a rookie (26)
• Most single-season rebounds by a WNBA player (446)
• Most offensive rebounds in a single season by a WNBA player (172)

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Angel Reese 2024 Highlights

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Reese ended her season with an outstanding performance, putting up 24 points and 12 rebounds in a win against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.

While Reese did set the record for double-doubles by a rookie, she was just two away from tying Connecticut Sun's Alyssa Thomas' WNBA record of 28 in a single season. The injury prevented her from breaking that record this year, but it wouldn't be a surprise for her to get it done at some point in her career, potentially as early as next season.

The injury comes at an unfortunate time as the Sky are looking to make a push to ensure a playoff berth. Chicago is currently in eighth place in the WNBA standings, tied with the Atlanta Dream at 12-22. With their star rookie out for the year, the Sky will need to step up their game in the final weeks of the season.