WNBA star to have wrist surgery, avoid arthritis

Angel Reese could have waited, and played through pain. But that would likely come at a great cost, doctors warned.

So one of the top rookies from the 2024 draft decided surgery was the way to go.

Reese, the No. 7 pick by the Chicago Sky and the best rebounder in the league at 13.1 boards per game, announced Sunday that she would miss the remainder of the season.

The culprit: A hairline fracture in her left wrist that, if not treated immediately, could lead to a completely shattered bone.

Chicago coach Teresa Weatherspoon was vague Sunday when asked about Reese’s injury before the Sky took on Dallas in a must-win game for both teams as they battled for the final playoff spot. Though Reese was not made available to the media Sunday before or after the Sky’s 92-77 win – in which Reese loudly cheered her teammates from the bench – she went on social media later to share details.

The injury, which Reese suffered on Friday, Sept. 6 vs. the Sparks when she fell hard after an and-one, is minor enough now that doctors “gave me options to play,” Reese said. But they warned her if she went that route, she could have arthritis issues almost immediately, which Reese said “wasn’t an option.” There’s also the possibility that the crack could grow bigger quickly and shatter the bone completely.

Reese decided it wasn’t worth it.

“I want to have a long career in the league,” she said, “I play basketball for awhile.”

More:Caitlin Clark on Angel Reese’s season-ending wrist injury: ‘It’s definitely devastating’

She will have surgery Tuesday, Sept. 10 – she said doctors will put a screw in the bone – and be in a hard cast for four weeks, followed by a soft (and removable) cast for two weeks. While rehabbing her wrist Reese said she will spend time “lifting, running, conditioning, shooting with my off hand, dribbling with my off hand, working on my nutrition.” She joked she’ll also be “modeling still, podcasting still, being a baddie still.”

She also plans to continue rooting on her teammates as they fight for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Sky’s win over Dallas – an impressive route considering they were missing Reese’s production – knocked the Wings out of playoff contention. Chicago, Atlanta and Washington will compete for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Sky (13-22) host Washington (11-24) on Wednesday.

Reese had a stellar rookie year, leading the league in rebounding while chipping in 13.6 points, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Her dominance on the boards – she set a new single-season record for rebounds, with 446 – will make a strong argument for Reese to be considered Rookie of the Year, though it’s believed that Caitlin Clark will win that honor. Reese also set a record for most consecutive double-doubles (15). She was a 2024 All-Star and, fittingly, recorded a double-double in the All-Star Game as Team WNBA beat the 2024 Olympic roster.

Reese said on social media that she “did amazing” for her first year in league but acknowledged, “I wanted more.” Still, she said, “God’s timing is better than my timing, that’s why I’m in such good spirits. I’ve been through this before.”

She described the injury as a “minor setback” that will lead to a “major comeback” in next season.

Email Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell