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After Chicago's WNBA franchise selected Angel Reese using the seventh overall pick in the recent draft, there was widespread hope she could change the team's fortunes. Although winning the WNBA title in 2021, the Chicago team have been struggling competitively for most of their history. Reese brought not only mainstream fame but also dynamic play and superb rebounding.

Performance Excellence vs. Team Struggles

As a player, Reese has exceeded expectations: she is a two-time All-Star and topped the league in rebounding in both her initial WNBA seasons.

Yet within the team environment, conflicts have emerged. Chicago were eliminated in the opening stage of the postseason last year. Currently, they finished with the joint-worst record in the league, alongside the another struggling franchise.

Vocal Frustration and Organizational Reaction

The young star was openly vocal about expressing her frustrations. She stated the team “have to get better players … must get elite players” and implying she’d seek a trade if improvements weren't made, she issued an apology. “I really didn’t intentionally mean to disrespect my teammates,” she explained.

The Sky subsequently penalized her for half a game for “comments harmful to the team.”

Questionable Punishment

As someone with pro experience, publicly criticizing teammates is typically seen as a breach of etiquette. However, was a suspension and a public statement the right approach? It seemed as though the organization were trying to publicly shame Reese.

She has been the subject of social media attacks since entering the league, in part to her well-publicized competition with a fellow standout (a dynamic both athletes publicly minimized). By reprimanding her, the Sky paved the path for detractors to feast and slander Reese.

This action looked petty, and quickly had negative consequences. Supporters overwhelmed social media with backing for their player. During the final home contest, signs appeared in the crowd saying “Free Angel Reese”, while others demanded the dismissal of general manager Jeff Pagliocca.

Inconsistent Messaging

This penalty was not only heavy-handed, it was out of step with how other teams operate. Other WNBA stars have expressed frustrations with their teams without being disciplined.

Pagliocca himself later repeated Reese’s sentiment about the necessity for better roster construction – the very thing that led to her penalty. This contradiction was clear: when the player says it, it’s defiance; when the general manager says it, it’s a plan.

This dynamic is even worse when you reflect on how often Black women like Reese are criticized for expressing themselves.

A Pattern of Problems

The irony is that this conflict with the front office is only the latest chapter in a much longer shambolic history for the franchise.

This is a team with a track record of running off star players. Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker – each departed Chicago frustrated. Another key player came back this year only to find things aren’t much better.

One insider commented, “You can list so many players that could be on the team right now but elected to leave the Chicago Sky due to ongoing problems with the management.”

“Could you imagine a Chicago team with its core stars? It would be a championship caliber roster. But they have a pattern of squandering away talent.”

Leadership Shakeup

Firing the sideline leader their recent coach only worsened the situation. The athlete said the move left her “devastated” and added that Weatherspoon was the sole individual who “had genuine faith in me” as a Black woman in professional basketball.

It is difficult to imagine a more insensitive move if the aim is to keep your franchise player content.

On-Court Struggles

Maybe this would be more palatable if the team were competing for titles. But the last two seasons have been, frankly, dismal.

In 2024 they won a respectable number of their 30 games. This year, they won far fewer, finishing joint-last despite having two recently honored first-year players. This year’s draft picks – both exceptional talents – have had difficult seasons.

Draft and Roster Errors

Player selection has become a example of poor decision-making. Recently, Chicago did not pick a first-year that excelled into an All-Star on another team, instead dealing the pick – along with a future first-round pick – for a experienced player likely to depart soon.

The Sky mortgaged their future for nothing, while their young stars struggled through another losing season.

Future Uncertainty

It is little wonder that fans are already debating where Reese might play next season. Teaming her with elite talents elsewhere are dream scenarios, but the point is simple: Reese has choices.

She is a established star, still only at the beginning of her professional journey, and she deserves an team that values her with the consideration she has earned.

When the athlete decides she’s had enough of the Chicago Sky, few should be taken aback. The blame won’t fall on her. It will be entirely on an organization that seems intent on driving its best players away.