Having a generational talent in the roster is what every team strives for. They not only help in winning you a lot of games, but can also boost your franchise’s value. Although wins are yet to follow Angel Reese to the Chicago Sky, the franchise valuation has certainly skyrocketed. In the last year, Sky’s valuation went up from $95 million to $240 million, signifying Reese’s connection with the fan base. However, a recent controversy seems to have soured the relationship between Reese and the Chicago Sky. 

After her controversial interview with the Chicago Tribune in which she called out the Sky front office to do a better job of building a roster next season, the after-effects were big. Not only were there strong reactions from fans around the league, but the team also reacted and suspended her for a half-game. However, she is not the first player to publicly show her disappointment with the franchise. Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson are two of the biggest examples of star players calling out their teams when things are not going well.

In the latest episode of Sports Are Fun! With Kelley O’Hara podcast, guest BJ Beckwith pointed out the similarities between A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum. He said, “I feel like you’ve seen other players make statements all season long. You saw Kelsey Plum make statements about coming to the Sparks. So I just feel like this is being scrutinized so much for what?”  

Speaking with Sue Bird on her podcast, Kelsey Plum revealed the reason why she left the Aces. Plum said that she wanted to be the talisman of a team of her own, which could never have been at the Aces as long as A’ja Wilson was there. Speaking of A’ja Wilson, she has not shied away from calling out her team as well. Reminding the listeners of the same, Beckwith said the following. “Even A’ja said stuff about the Aces, saying, No one came to play. No one had heart when they were in their slump. Like I feel repeatedly, and I feel like that’s more similar situation. Correct me if I’m wrong, but we’ve seen like statements like that.”

When the Las Vegas Aces struggled to get their season started on the right track, A’ja Wilson called out the team to perform. After their third-straight loss, she said, “We’re going to continue getting our ass beat until we man up.” She further continued, “We spoiled our fanbase… now they expect that out of us every single game.”

Such powerful statements coming from two of the best leaders are a clear sign that no matter how good the relationship between a player and an organization is, for these competitive women, nothing else is more important than winning. Sure, it may seem cold when a player calls the front office out publicly, but that is exactly why players like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum have won multiple championships. 

Angel Reese’s comments have also raised questions about her long-term future in Chicago. This was not aided by the fact that the Sky decided to ban her for half a game, further straining their relationship.

Will the Chicago Sky’s Half-Game Suspension Affect Angel Reese’s future?

After Angel Reese’s comments, the basketball world had a huge reaction. Some criticized her, some supported and even praised her. However, when it came to the Chicago Sky’s management, the team released a statement holding Angel Reese accountable. Not only that, they went ahead and, in a first in WNBA history, suspended her for half a game. Naturally, fans reacted strongly to this news.

Many fans and analysts said that rather than a resolution, the team’s decision made things worse. Angel even got support from a rival WNBA executive. The executive, who wished to remain anonymous, called the team’s step ‘embarrassing.’ They also suggested that Angel Reese should ask to be traded in the upcoming offseason.

With all the rumors about whether she will ask for a trade, the Chicago Sky fans’ anxiety is at a knife’s edge. Although Angel Reese made it clear in her interview that she wants to win in Chicago, there is increased pressure on the front office to build a roster that can win. But with Chicago’s unwanted reputation of fumbling star players, nothing is certain about Angel Reese’s future. So, will we see her in a Chicago Sky jersey next season or not? Only time will tell.