Was Sky's half-game suspension to Reese fair?
A WNBA executive believes that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese should demand her trade from the team during the offseason. The executive’s statement came after the Sky handed Reese a half-a-game suspension for her controversial remarks about the team and fellow players.
In an interview with Dallas Hoops Journal, the executive slammed the Sky for suspending their best player. They also went on to say that Chicago is the worst-run organization in the league, and hence, Reese must demand a trade from them during the offseason.
“She needs to get the hell out of there,” the WNBA executive said. They added, “Chicago is probably the worst-run organization in the league. You’re gonna suspend your best player just because she’s putting pressure on you to get better? That was embarrassing to see. I think Chicago will try to trade her this offseason, but if they don’t, she should request a trade.”
Notably, in one of her recent interviews with the Chicago Tribune, the two-time WNBA All-Star expressed concerns about Sky’s run. She said that the team needs to get better players in order to finish better in the upcoming season. The remarks sparked controversy and though the Baltimore native ended up apologizing for the same, the team handed her a suspension setting an example.
Though Reese could have used better words to put out her feelings, what she said holds truth. Chicago is one of the worst performing teams in the season, with a below-par record of 10 wins and 32 losses. This is going to be the second consecutive season that the 2021 WNBA champions will miss the playoffs.
Talking about her, the ‘Chi Barbie’ entered the league as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft. She has made 64 appearances for the Sky in both the seasons. Reese has a career average of 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. In addition, the 23-year-old is leading her team across three major statistical categories this season, including scoring, rebounds, and assists. Her stats prove that Reese is one of the best players that Chicago currently has.
Despite her prolific form and playmaking skills, the team has failed to make the postseason ever since her debut.
Chicago Sky’s head coach Tyler Marsh heaped praise on star forward Angel Reese, while comparing her with a Los Angeles Lakers’ legend. Marsh spoke to sports commentator Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson and talked about Reese’s versatility. He said that she is already showcasing skills that separate her from her peers. Marsh said, “There’s so much more room for growth and there’s so much progression that she’s shown from Year One to Year Two. I think she’s realizing all the other aspects of her game in real time to be effective and she’s showing it night in and night out.”
He compared Reese’s game with the style of Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer James Worthy. Marsh said, “That’s a little before my time. But yeah, I’m familiar with James [Worthy] but I’m more familiar with Angel.” He went on to say that Reese has a bright future in the league, and she is going to be among the top players in the league for years to come.
“What she’s able to do now and what she’s continuing to be able to do in this league, she’s going to be one of the top players in this league for years to come,” he explained. Reese has been one of the top talents who entered the league in the class of 2024. Before her WNBA debut, she led the LSU Women’s team to its first national championship in 2023.
Following a successful collegiate career, she entered the WNBA scene with full force and had a record-setting rookie campaign. She continued her red-hot form sophomore season as well. Currently, she is leading the league in rebounding in the ongoing season.
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