Angel Reese and the Struggling Sky Season
The season for Angel Reese and the Sky has gotten off to a rough start.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed that the team “needs more” from the second-year player, as Chicago currently sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 2-6.
“She’s had some standout games, but also some that weren’t her best,” Pagliocca mentioned in the Chicago Sun Times. “She’s a key player for us, offering diversity to the roster. We need greater production from her, but also need to support her in other ways.”
Reese’s statistics have declined in nearly every category compared to last season.
This year, she’s averaging just 10.1 points per game, with an efficiency rating that leaves much to be desired—shooting 35.8% overall and only 36% in two-point attempts.
Her rebounding numbers stand at 12.1 per game, but she’s also averaging 3.9 turnovers, a noticeable increase from last season’s 2.2.
“She’s dedicating her time to improving,” Pagliocca noted. “Reese has been a great teammate. We’re still figuring out the best ways to utilize her strengths.”
When she was recognized for rookie honors, the focus for the Sky and Reese was on enhancing her shooting and playmaking skills.
However, the 23-year-old has managed to bring her shooting percentage up to 33% from last year’s 18.8%, and while her assists increased from 1.9 to 2.6, she still seems to be struggling to make a significant impact.
“It hasn’t all come together yet,” Pagliocca acknowledged. “But winning is what we need.”
Still, there have been some signs of improvement. In a recent game against a strong Freedom team, Reese had her best outing of the season, scoring 17 points despite an 85-66 loss.
“I put in the work every day, no matter what. I don’t back down,” Reese shared with the Sun Times before Tuesday’s game. “I hold myself to a high standard. I believe it will pay off in the long run.”
