Angel Reese, once hailed as the vibrant face of the Chicago Sky, is now under fire from her own team’s leadership, and her WNBA future may be at a crossroads. In a press conference that stunned fans and insiders alike, Chicago Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca called out Reese by name, stating bluntly: “We need more out of her.”
This isn’t just a critique. It’s a warning.
From the moment she entered the league, Angel Reese brought undeniable energy, charisma, and media attention. Marketed as the “Chi Barbie,” she was expected to revitalize the franchise and elevate the team’s profile both on and off the court. The Sky bet big on her – but now, just a year later, the results haven’t matched the hype. Reese’s production has dipped noticeably: from 13.6 points per game in 2024 to just 10 points per game in 2025, with a shooting percentage plummeting from 39% to a shaky 35%.
While her rebounding remains strong at 12 boards per game, the missed layups and scoring inefficiencies are becoming glaring. During a recent loss to the Connecticut Sun, she botched multiple point-blank opportunities, drawing frustration from coaches and criticism from fans. Social media erupted with clips of her missed finishes, fueling a growing narrative that she’s not ready to lead a professional team.
The disappointment is spreading beyond the stat sheets. Pagliocca reportedly stormed into the locker room post-game, directing his ire at Reese in front of the entire team. “This isn’t college anymore,” he allegedly said. “We don’t have time to wait.”
While Reese’s hustle and rebounding are undeniable, energy without execution won’t win games. The Sky’s offense is sputtering, shooting just 39% from the field and allowing a league-worst 90.1 points per game. Losing veteran Courtney Vandersloot to an ACL injury has only made matters worse, leaving the Sky desperate for leadership—and answers.
Behind the scenes, tension is rising. Some teammates have expressed frustration privately, claiming Reese is being given more leeway than they ever would. The locker room, once united, now feels fractured. Publicly, players still support her, but insiders reveal growing skepticism about her role as a franchise cornerstone.
Meanwhile, the media circus surrounding Reese continues. Her off-court commitments, influencer appearances, and brand deals have fueled criticism that she’s more focused on fame than basketball. Analysts and even former players have begun to question whether she’s being shielded from accountability due to her marketability.
While Reese herself remains defiant—”I put my head down and work every single day,” she recently told reporters—her words are beginning to ring hollow to many. Execution matters. And in a league as competitive as the WNBA, there’s little room for growing pains when your team is 2–6 and your name is on every poster.
Chicago’s front office is feeling the heat. With playoff hopes fading, they’re reportedly exploring roster adjustments. While no trade talks have been confirmed, whispers around the league suggest that the Sky may be scouting other forwards who can deliver more consistent production in the paint.
Reese isn’t the only one under scrutiny. The team’s coaching staff, led by Tyler Marsh, is also facing tough questions. Critics argue that the offense was poorly designed around Camila Cardoso, and that the team’s failure to hold players accountable for missed practices or poor performances has led to the current crisis. “You let her skip practices for influencer events, then wonder why she misses layups,” one commentator noted bluntly.
If there was ever a make-or-break moment in a young player’s career, this is it.
The WNBA is evolving rapidly, with stars like Caitlin Clark redefining what it means to be a rookie. Clark has quickly emerged as the league’s biggest draw, driving record-breaking ticket sales and ratings. Her rookie season has been defined by poise, production, and professionalism—qualities many now contrast with Reese’s inconsistent play.
And that contrast isn’t going unnoticed.
WNBA ratings are down more than 50% in some markets since Clark’s injury sidelined her for several games. One Fever game saw ticket prices plummet from $41 to just $3 after it was announced Clark wouldn’t play. It’s a stark reminder of the “Clark Effect,” and a reality check for any player hoping to carry a franchise.
For Angel Reese, the message is clear: performance matters. Missed layups, lack of discipline, and defensive lapses can’t be hidden behind personality or PR. The league is watching. Her team is watching. The fans are watching. And now, even her front office is speaking out.
There’s still time for redemption. Reese remains one of the most physically gifted forwards in the league. Her rebounding is elite, and her motor is unmatched. But talent must be paired with focus, accountability, and growth.
Chicago gave her the keys. Now they’re wondering if they handed them to the wrong driver.
In professional basketball, you don’t get endless chances. You get opportunities—and Angel Reese’s may be slipping away.
