When the Chicago Sky drafted Angel Reese, they got one of the most talented and decorated women players of the last decade. Reese can be a potential franchise cornerstone whose energy, toughness, and relentless work ethic can reshape the team’s identity. But the Sky has to build the correct team around her. Reese’s impact was immediately felt. She established herself as one of the league’s best rebounders during her rookie year.
But the question remains: how can the Sky best build around her skill set to return to contention? Reese has recently made comments about the future outlook of the team that ruffled a few feathers. But outside looking into it wasn’t wrong. The team is going to miss the playoffs and she is putting pressure on the team to be better.
Reese brings elite rebounding and interior defense. For the Sky, that means prioritizing offensive sets that generate second-chance opportunities. Few players are better at creating extra possessions. With those extra possessions Reese should kick it out after a rebound. The modern WNBA just like the NBA relies on spacing. With Reese being dominant on the inside, she needs perimeter shooters knocking down three pointers as the defense collapses. Adding consistent three-point threats will also allow Reese to do damage when a defender leaves the paint. She currently gets double teamed. As Reese continues to develop a post game, she can dominate one on one match ups.
Reese needs to perfect a mid-range jump shot. Reese has shown she can be effective as a screener and roller. But if she can pick and pop she becomes more dangerous as a threat. Does she roll to the rim or does she pop out for a mid-range shot. She needs to be paired with a guard who can create off the dribble, run the offense, and take some pressure off of Reese. At 6’3” with agility and motor, Reese thrives in transition. The Sky needs a guard to push the pace after a Reese rebound. The Sky can take advantage of her ability to run the floor.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
The Sky should prioritize skill development in Reese post game, mid-range, and perimeter as adding range to her game would stretch defenses and diversify the offense. Chicago has to find out who they are. The Sky has been in rebuild mode since winning the championship in 2021. Angel Reese can be more than just a star rookie she was last year. She brought eyes to the team.
She’s the type of player you can build a franchise around. For the Chicago Sky, the path to improvement lies in embracing her strengths, surrounding her with complementary talent, and allowing her to grow into the leader she’s poised to become. If they can execute that vision, the Sky won’t just get better—they’ll rise back into the conversation as a serious contender.
