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Michael Voepel
Angel Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star, stated on Wednesday evening that she reached out to her Chicago Sky teammates to apologize for comments made to the Chicago Tribune that were published earlier that day. In the newspaper piece, she voiced concerns regarding another tough season, indicating she «might need to pursue a different direction and prioritize what’s best for me» if the team did not enhance its talent for the future.
Following the Sky’s 88-64 victory over the Connecticut Sun at home on Wednesday, Reese was inquired whether she felt frustrated with the organization. The Sky, now with a record of 10-30 this season, have missed the playoffs for two consecutive years. Since the All-Star break in July, they have recorded just 3 wins and 15 losses.
«I probably am exasperated with myself at this moment,» Reese mentioned in the postgame press conference. «I believe the wording has been misinterpreted. I truly did not intend to undermine my teammates, as they have supported me throughout the entire year. They have worked hard, just as I have. They have been there for me through highs and lows, and in the locker room when no one else could witness it.»
«Thus, I want to extend my apologies to my teammates, which I have already done concerning the article and how it was misrepresented. I must improve my choice of words. Because I understand that it’s not merely about the message, but also about the messenger. Recognizing that what I say can be perceived in various ways. Therefore, I need to strive to enhance myself and learn from this.»
Indiana Fever unless the league retracts the technical foul.
Marsh mentioned that the Sky are challenging the technical foul and will request the league to assess it.
«They informed me it was an after-the-whistle dead ball foul,» Marsh explained regarding the referees’ description of Reese’s technical foul. «That they had the option to choose between a technical or a flagrant. I asked them, why not opt for the flagrant? No significant response was provided. We would clearly have preferred that to be classified as a flagrant rather than a technical.»
At 23, Reese is completing her second season on a standard three-year WNBA rookie contract, which includes a team option for a fourth year. The No. 7 overall selection in the 2024 draft, Reese finished as the runner-up to Indiana’s Caitlin Clark in the Rookie of the Year contest last season, during which the Sky ended with a 13-27 record and dismissed coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one year.
Reese expressed her dissatisfaction on social media at the time regarding Weatherspoon’s dismissal. Marsh, previously an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces, was appointed to succeed Weatherspoon, but this season has been even more challenging for Chicago in terms of wins and losses.
In the Tribune article, Reese raised concerns about the talent level of the Sky’s current roster and emphasized her expectation for the team’s front office to be proactive during free agency.
«I am very clear about what we need and what I desire,» she told the Tribune. «I would like to remain here throughout my career, but if circumstances don’t align, I may have to explore other options and prioritize what’s best for me. Yet while I am here, I will remain committed to maximizing what I have and maintaining an open mind.»
Reese also expressed significant concern regarding the Sky’s point guard situation. Veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot returned to Chicago this year after securing a WNBA championship with the New York Liberty last season. However, Vandersloot encountered a season-ending ACL injury on June 7 during Chicago’s seventh game. She will turn 37 before the next season starts.
Reese conveyed to the Tribune that she does not view Vandersloot or any other current players on the Sky’s roster as the cornerstone point guard for Chicago’s future.
«We can’t depend on Courtney coming back at her current age,» Reese stated. «I acknowledge she will be a valuable asset for us, but we cannot rely solely on that. We require someone likely younger with experience, someone who has been competing at a high level and is eager to strive for a championship, having done so before.»
Regarding whether Chicago, which claimed the WNBA title in 2021, can regain its championship-caliber status to attract coveted free agents, Reese remarked that it is yet to be determined and that the Sky must guarantee players that the organization is heading in a positive direction.
«It would require a brave commitment from an exceptional player to come here, indicating that they wish to be a part of this and that we can adopt a championship mindset,» Reese asserted.
Marsh indicated that his priority is for the Sky to perform at their best over the remaining four games, «So we can keep laying the groundwork moving forward in a manner where this season is [behind] us … allowing us to take that next step.»
