‘Unapologetically Angel’ wasn’t an empty term for the Chicago Sky forward. From slamming down her critics on ‘mebounds’ threads to blasting the poor officiating, she has been vocal about her thoughts. “And I don’t give a damn if I get fined because that s— is cheap, and I’m tired of this s—,” she shared in a post-game press conference speaking about refs. So, when the season she had been hyped up about, aiming for a playoff spot, took a hit, there was no stopping her from speaking the harsh truth. But this one is bringing consequences.

After an undesired end to her rookie year marred by injuries, Reese had expressed that she was ‘‘eager and hungry’’ for a playoff spot. With the moves that GM Jeff Pagliocca had made, bringing in Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, and Hailey Van Lith, among others, the 23-year-old had felt closer to the goal, too. But when the losses kept stacking up, Angel Reese, who had expressed the necessity to shine light on her teammates to start the season, vented frustration regarding the very same people.

 “I’m not settling for the same shit we did this year. We have to get good players,” she told the Chicago Tribune, and yes, that has drawn a response from the team. Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports reports: “A team meeting is planned at which players are expected to address Reese directly.” She also added a possibility that no Windy City fan saw coming this early: “There is a belief among some sources that Reese’s future in Chicago may not be reparable.”

The young forward had aimed her frustration at the front office, but also let out a few stinging words towards her teammates. While she believed Courtney Vandersloot’s return wouldn’t be of much help, given “the age that she’s at,” Reese denied Rachel Banham and Hailey Van Lith from leading a playoff contender.

Moreover, Tyler Marsh wasn’t spared either. After recording fewer wins than last season, the 23-year-old Maryland native wants Marsh to coach the team harder. He, however, has remained calm-headed about the matter, revealing, “We’re addressing it in-house as currently speaking. That’s where we’ll stay right now,” on Wednesday.

Ever since their drafting, Angel Reese, alongside Kamila Cardoso, has been declared a cornerstone for the Sky’s future. With no 2026 draft picks in hand, this is the young core Pagliocca & Co. have been banking on. And if that is to sustain, the former LSU Tigress demands that the front office “attract the best of the best,” and not settle for what they have this season. However, the way things stand, the Sky might be looking at a complete overhaul.

As stinging as Reese’s words were, they did not arrive without truth. While Banham is averaging 9.2 points per game, HVL brings 3.5 points per game to the table. Atkins has helped with flashes of brilliance, averaging 13.5 points, but it might not be enough if the franchise is aiming for playoffs and eventually, a championship. Reese and Cardoso, the Windy City Sky Scrappers, are going to need adequate support for the team to shoot for more.

Angel Reese has her reasons

Angel Reese entered the her sophomore year after an eventful off-season, improving on her defense as well as efficiency. She may have started with a 2-point game, but the forward was soon shooting 46% from the field and leading her team in scoring, rebounds, and assists. If the situation required her to play point forward for the team, Reese did not hesitate in embracing the role.

“I’ve always been a player for the team… Every team I’ve been on, I’ve done what was needed to win. I don’t care about anything else. I’m doing whatever I need for the team,” she had shared in the pre-season and stood by it. The former LSU Tigress had even admitted that no matter how ugly it got to play with an injury, she powered through for the team. But for most part of the journey, she seems to have battled solo.

The Sky have been eliminated from the playoffs for a second consecutive season, sitting at 2-15 since the All-Star break in mid-July. Frustration is clear. But what’s next?