The Chicago Sky are grappling with a significant setback after star rookie Angel Reese suffered a season-ending wrist injury last Friday. The loss of Reese, who was leading the WNBA in rebounds with an impressive 13.1 per game and logging an average of 32.5 minutes per game, presents a considerable challenge. As the team has just five games remaining in the regular season, they face critical decisions on how to adjust their strategy.
Angel Reese shared the details of her injury in a TikTok video on Sunday. She revealed that she sustained a hairline fracture at the base of her left hand while trying to catch herself after being fouled during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Reese decided to undergo surgery to prevent potential arthritis or further damage, with a recovery plan that includes four weeks in a hard cast followed by two weeks in a soft cast. Rehabilitation will follow, likely keeping her from basketball activities until late November or December. Fortunately, Reese anticipates being ready for the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league starting in January.
In response to Reese’s injury, the Sky will turn to veteran Isabelle Harrison to fill her role. Harrison, who started in the recent win over the Dallas Wings, contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and a block. Although Harrison’s playing style differs from Reese’s, her experience and midrange shooting ability will be valuable. At 6-3, Harrison brings a different set of skills to the table, including offensive versatility, which will help balance the floor and support Kamilla Cardoso in the post.
The question of whether the Sky will sign a player to a hardship contract also arises. With Elizabeth Williams already on the season-ending injury list, the team could potentially bring in an additional player. However, with only a few games left, it may not be feasible or necessary to make such a move. The Sky currently have over $170,000 in cap space but would need to free up a roster spot to sign a new player. Coach Teresa Weatherspoon typically relies on an eight- or nine-player rotation, so it’s possible that the team will stick with their current roster for the remainder of the season.
Without Reese, the Sky’s expectations for the final stretch of the season must be adjusted. They currently hold the final playoff spot, and recent victories have positioned them a game ahead of the Atlanta Dream. With a win in their upcoming game against the Washington Mystics, the Sky could solidify their playoff positioning. The remaining schedule includes challenging matches against the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx, while the Dream will face tough opponents as well.
The Sky’s playoff prospects hinge on their ability to adapt. Kamilla Cardoso will need to take on a larger role, both defensively and on the boards, while the team may need to go smaller in their secondary rotation. Despite the setback, the Sky have a good chance to secure a playoff spot if they maintain their current momentum. However, expectations should be tempered, as the loss of Reese diminishes their chances of advancing past the first round.
For the Sky, making the playoffs would be a valuable experience, especially for young players like Cardoso and Chennedy Carter. A playoff berth could provide crucial experience for the team’s future while still allowing them to secure a top-six draft pick to further develop their roster. The remaining games will be critical in determining whether the Sky can overcome this adversity and make a meaningful impact in the postseason.
As the season progresses, the Sky’s ability to navigate this challenging period will be a testament to their resilience and adaptability. The team’s focus will need to shift towards maximizing their remaining opportunities and preparing for the future, both in the immediate playoff push and in building for the coming seasons.