Can the Sky survive without Angel Reese? Injury report raises alarms

The Chicago Sky are at a crossroads as they gear up for the 2025 WNBA season, with their star forward Angel Reese’s injury status raising alarms. Reese, the 2024 WNBA rebounding leader, suffered a wrist injury that cut her rookie season short and re-injured it during Unrivaled’s inaugural season. With the Sky’s season opener against the Indiana Fever set for May 17, finding a replacement for Reese is the team’s top priority, especially as her availability remains uncertain.

Reese’s rookie year was historic. Averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, she set a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles (15) and earned All-Star and All-Rookie honors. Her rebounding prowess and defensive tenacity, showcased by her Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year award, make her irreplaceable in the Sky’s frontcourt.

“Unrivaled’s Defensive Player of the Year: The Angel Reese,” the league announced, highlighting her impact. Yet, her wrist injury, which sidelined her for Unrivaled’s playoffs despite leading Rose BC to an 8-4 record, casts a shadow over Chicago’s playoff hopes.

The Sky, coming off a 13-27 season, have made moves to bolster their roster. Trading for Ariel Atkins and drafting Hailey Van Lith at No. 11 reunite Reese with her former LSU teammate, but the frontcourt remains thin. Kamilla Cardoso, another All-Rookie star, is a cornerstone, but the team’s draft pick Aicha Coulibaly, selected at No. 22, won’t play in 2025 due to an ACL injury, per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune. “Due to the severity of her knee injury (ACL), it does not sound like the Sky expect her to be available this season,” Poe noted, leaving a gap alongside Reese.

Who’s next for the Sky? Reese’s injury shakes up roster

Chicago’s front office, led by GM Jeff Pagliocca, is under pressure to find a temporary or long-term solution. Trading Dana Evans for draft picks signals a rebuild around Reese and Cardoso, but losing Chennedy Carter’s 17.5 points per game hurts their scoring. Fans on social media speculate about free agents or trades to fill the void, with some eyeing versatile forwards to complement Atkins’ defensive prowess.

Head Coach Tyler Marsh, appointed in November 2024, brings championship experience from the Las Vegas Aces, but his revamped staff faces a tough task without Reese at full strength. As training camp nears, the Sky’s focus is clear: secure a frontcourt player to keep their playoff dreams alive while Reese recovers.