After a promising offseason and a roster loaded with young talent, the Chicago Sky were expected to make a leap in the 2025 WNBA season. But six games in, they’re sitting at just 2-4, with their only wins coming against a Dallas Wings team struggling to stay afloat. And according to ESPN, one of the biggest red flags for Chicago? Angel Reese underperforming.
Sky’s Start Raising Concerns
While a two-game win streak might look like momentum, the context matters. Both victories came against a Wings squad that could struggle to hit double-digit wins this season. Offensively, the Sky lack flow, and their net rating of -18.0 points per 100 possessions tells a clearer story than the win column.
In a recent June 5 ranking of WNBA core rosters, ESPN’s Neil Paine placed the Sky’s young duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso at No. 7, lower than many expected. Why the low mark? ESPN believes Reese’s inconsistent play is part of the problem.
Angel Reese Still Dominates the Glass
Reese has continued to rebound at an elite level, but her offensive efficiency has taken a major hit. Her shooting percentage has dropped from 39.1% in 2024 to just 31.3% this season, a worrisome sign for a player expected to be one of the Sky’s primary scoring options.
Meanwhile, Cardoso has shown growth, bumping her scoring from 9.8 PPG to 12.8 PPG, while also improving her shooting and playmaking. The contrast between the two bigs only highlights Reese’s struggles more.
Why This Matters for Chicago Sky Future
The Sky are building around Reese and Cardoso, and their progress is vital to the franchise’s long-term trajectory. ESPN noted that while Chicago had one of the best 25-and-under cores last season, inconsistent performances and a rocky start are casting doubt.
Reese doesn’t have to be perfect, but she needs to be efficient. With defenses collapsing in the paint and Cardoso showing growth, Reese regaining her scoring touch could completely change the dynamic of the Chicago Sky’s offense.
Angel Reese underperforming doesn’t mean she’s a bust, it means expectations are high, and rightly so. ESPN’s honest assessment may sting, but it could also be the wake-up call Chicago needs. If Reese can find her rhythm and Cardoso keeps trending upward, this Sky team still has the pieces to make a run.
But in a league as competitive as the WNBA, every game and every stat line matters. The clock is ticking, and Angel Reese’s response could define the Sky’s season.
