In Angel Reese’s Absence, Sheryl Swoopes Identifies Key Player Who Can Propel Chicago Sky to Playoffs

“God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers,” Angel Reese wrote announcing her season-ending wrist injury. The Chicago Sky rookie’s sensational campaign has come to an unfortunate end, just before the playoffs kicked off. Hence, Teresa Weatherspoon’s squad will now have to fight for the last seat to the next stage of the WNBA season without one of their primary players. But the WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes believes there is still hope for the Chicago team.

The Sky cruised through a win against the Dallas Wings on Sunday and Reese had been put on the injury list with a questionable status. While the LSU alum didn’t play that day, there was one name that shone after coming back from injury herself. Someone who has been averaging a team-high 17.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals and has been the biggest help to T-spoon in clutch situations.

Sheryl Swoopes pointed out her choice on the Queens of the Court podcast, gushing “Chennedy Carter, Chennedy Carter, Chennedy Carter, that’s what I’ll say.” Carter scored 7 of her 28 points in the first couple of minutes against the Wings, and the Sky never trailed Dallas in their 92-77 win. The guard had missed four games due to an illness, but she’s back, stronger than ever.

“So when you say what this means for Chicago with Angel being out, does it hurt Chicago? Without a doubt. Taking away 13 points, 14 rebounds a game, that hurts,” Swoopes maintained. “But I will also say, if Chennedy Carter can continue to play the way she’s playing, then you have Izzy doing what she’s doing, I think Chicago is looking at this like, ‘now it’s our opportunity.’”

Much as we might be thinking, Swoopes reiterates how the loss of one player will heavily affect the team. And yes, the star player of the Sky will be missed, but one person alone does not make a team. “This is an opportunity for players to step up. I mean they looked really good the other night against Dallas.”

Tied with the Atlanta Dream for the eighth and final playoff spot, the Chicago Sky only have six games left in the season to clinch their position. And even if Reese is no longer in the game, Carter might be the answer to their problems as the team noticeably went 0-4 in her absence. She certainly had a strong message for them before she made a comeback.

“I’m back now and I’m ready to…”: Chennedy Carter sends a strong message to Chicago Sky

A seven-game skid is something no one wants just before the playoffs are set to begin. And Chennedy Carter arrived on Sunday with the mindset to help her team win after missing the last four games. Per the Chicago Sun Times, the 25-year-old wanted to deliver a message to her teammates, who had been eagerly waiting for her to return.

“I let them know: ‘Guys, I know I was out for a minute longer than expected, but I’m back now and I’m ready to work with you guys,’” Carter said Thursday. “‘I missed you guys. I want to make a run. I’m here to do that. Let’s [expletive] do that. Let’s turn the page.’”

While 2024 is her last season with the Sky before she becomes a free agent, as of now, Carter knows what she has contributed to the team. “This season shows my value,” the Sky veteran said. This season, the 2020 fourth-overall pick is leading the league in fast-break points. An aspect that adds pace to the squad’s rather slow playing style. Certainly, with complete motivation to make it to the postseason, Carter is all set to make the push.

Meanwhile, the team’s rookie player will be looking to heal her body as much as she can before the next year rolls around. But in the meantime, she can put her faith in her team to make it to the playoffs and repeat their 2021 feat, even if it’s without her.