The Chicago Sky entered the WNBA season with big dreams and bigger personalities. At the center of it all stood Angel Reese—a player whose star power and swagger were supposed to transform the franchise. Instead, her season has unraveled into a cautionary tale about leadership, accountability, and the kind of chemistry that makes or breaks teams.

Now, with suspensions, injuries, and a string of public controversies, the question echoing across the league is simple: Has Angel Reese become the Chicago Sky’s biggest problem?

From Franchise Savior to Locker Room Lightning Rod

Reese’s arrival in Chicago was supposed to signal a new era. The Sky front office went all-in, trading away key assets like the No. 3 overall pick Sonia Citron for Ariel Atkins—a move designed to build around Reese’s talents and ambitions. The message was clear: Angel Reese was the cornerstone, and the team would rally around her.

But instead of unity, Reese’s leadership style has ignited division. Her public comments, especially in a recent Chicago Tribune interview, sent shockwaves through the locker room and beyond. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me,” Reese declared, making it clear she wasn’t satisfied with the current roster. She doubled down, openly questioning whether teammates like Rachel Banham and Haley Van Lith were playoff-caliber.

That kind of blunt criticism isn’t just unusual—it’s a violation of the unspoken code in professional sports. You don’t trash your teammates in the media. And for veterans like Courtney Vandersloot—a two-time WNBA champion who left a title contender in New York to join Chicago—the comments stung. Reese dismissed Vandersloot as “too old to help,” despite her track record as one of the league’s smartest floor generals.

Teammates Respond: Pushback and Frustration

The fallout was immediate. Vandersloot didn’t mince words, shooting back: “My age is absolutely not a factor. I am coming back better than ever.” Rachel Banham, a seasoned pro, cut through the drama with a simple retort: “I just don’t really care. I’m so over all this.” Ariel Atkins, brought in as part of the Reese-centered rebuild, handled the situation with class, emphasizing collective improvement and defending her teammates.

But the damage was done. Instead of rallying the locker room, Reese isolated herself. The more she aired her frustration, the more her teammates realized she wasn’t standing with them—she was standing apart, pointing fingers.

Accountability Hits: Suspensions and Absences

Reese’s troubles weren’t limited to words. She missed games due to a mysterious back injury—one that never received a clear explanation or timetable for recovery. Unlike other stars, such as Caitlin Clark, who stayed glued to the sidelines during her own injuries, Reese didn’t travel with the team. Her absence raised questions about her commitment and investment in the Sky’s success.

Then came the disciplinary issues. Reese racked up technical fouls at a league-leading pace, earning an automatic suspension after making contact with Aliyah Edwards’ head during a rebound battle against the Connecticut Sun. The league’s response was swift: another game missed, including a highly anticipated matchup against Clark and the Indiana Fever.

Chicago’s front office followed suit, suspending Reese for conduct detrimental to the team after her comments in mandated media sessions. “We are committed to accountability so our players can stay focused on playing basketball,” the Sky said in a statement. “This matter has been handled and resolved internally and we are moving forward as a team.”

The Irony: Sky Thrives Without Reese

Here’s the twist that stings the most for Reese and her supporters: The Sky looked sharper without her. Reports began to surface that the team played with more cohesion, the ball moved faster, and the offense was less chaotic when Reese wasn’t demanding touches or coughing up turnovers.

Despite missing weeks of action, Reese still managed to lead the league in turnovers—a dubious achievement that underscored her struggles. The locker room, once tense and divided, seemed relieved in her absence. Banham’s apathy was echoed by others, and the mood lightened as the drama subsided.

Leadership by Example: The Caitlin Clark Contrast

The WNBA has leaned into the rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, but the comparison grows less interesting by the day. While Reese’s season has been defined by suspensions, trade demands, and locker room drama, Clark has quietly lifted her Indiana Fever teammates, even as she battled injuries.

Clark’s leadership is visible on and off the court. When sidelined, she stayed engaged, guiding teammates during timeouts and celebrating their successes. Her focus on unity and incremental progress has helped transform the Fever from a rebuilding project into a playoff contender. Clark amplifies her teammates’ strengths, builds trust, and creates a culture of accountability.

Fans have noticed. Fever games are packed, Clark’s jerseys fly off shelves, and Indiana’s culture feels stable—a direct result of Clark’s presence. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: Clark leans into the team she has, while Reese acts like she’s waiting for a roster overhaul.

The Breaking Point: Locker Room Reality Check

The Sky’s internal tensions boiled over into a players-only meeting. The elephant in the room was Angel Reese herself. Teammates realized they didn’t have to carry the target Reese placed on their backs. Protecting her wasn’t protecting the team. The cracks Reese kept pointing to were her own reflection.

As the season wore on, it became clear that Reese’s leadership style was exhausting. The illusion of her as a franchise savior faded as her play and attitude dragged the team down. The Sky’s decision to suspend her sent a message: No one player is bigger than the team.

What’s Next for Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky?

With the season winding down, speculation is swirling about Reese’s future in Chicago. Will the Sky cut ties and move on? Will Reese find a new home, or will she confront the realities of accountability and team culture?

One thing is certain: The WNBA’s next generation is watching. The league’s future hinges on the example set by its stars. Clark’s reflection is clean, straightforward, and about the unit. Reese’s is cloudy, selfish, and already exhausting to watch play out this early in her career.

Fans don’t want excuses and finger-pointing. They want players who show up, lift others, and make the game better. That’s why the choice is obvious. Support athletes like Caitlin Clark and the Fever, who are building steady progress—not chaos. Reese has become a cautionary tale. Clark and Indiana represent the hope of where the WNBA is headed.