Kamilla Cardoso’s Exit Forces Sky to Rethink Angel Reese’s Role
The Chicago Sky are headed toward a critical stretch in the 2025 WNBA season, and the pressure is on. With a 3-10 record, the franchise is already in a hole, and things just got more complicated. Star center Kamilla Cardoso is set to leave after Tuesday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks to represent Brazil in the upcoming Americup tournament.
Cardoso has been a cornerstone for Chicago, averaging 11.8 points per game and anchoring the frontcourt alongside fellow second-year standout Angel Reese. While both players made the All-Rookie Team in 2024, Reese has continued her dominance on the boards, leading the entire WNBA with 11.5 rebounds per game.
With Cardoso temporarily out, head coach Tyler Marsh faces a pivotal decision: how does the team adjust without its second-leading scorer?
Reese to the Five? Or a Veteran Step-Up?
Coach Marsh has two main options to fill the void. The first is sliding Angel Reese to center, a role she’s familiar with from her time at LSU. Reese’s elite rebounding and versatility make her a strong candidate to hold down the paint while also giving the offense more floor spacing.
The Sky have already experimented with this lineup during recent practices where Cardoso was unavailable. Moving Reese to the five could unlock a more modern small-ball approach, increasing tempo and spacing.
The second option is to insert 11-year veteran Elizabeth Williams into the starting lineup. Williams is coming off her best performance of the season, 16 points and 5 rebounds against the Atlanta Dream. Her experience could provide stability during this transitional stretch.
All Eyes on Marsh Ahead of Valkyries Matchup
While Tuesday’s game will likely see both Reese and Cardoso starting once again, fans are already looking ahead to Friday’s clash with the Golden State Valkyries. That’s when we’ll truly see how Coach Marsh plans to steer the ship without one of his rising stars.
Whether it’s a bold Reese move or a veteran promotion, one thing is clear: Chicago’s path forward depends on how they adapt to Cardoso’s absence.
