July 29, 2025. Does that date sound familiar? For Angel Reese and Chicago Sky fans, it sure does. That was the last time Reese suited up for the team. Since then, five games have gone by without the star forward on the court, and questions are starting to swirl about whether she’ll even return this season.
The Chicago Sky have struggled in recent games, losing four out of five games without Reese on the court. And with the team’s overall poor form, there’s a growing worry amongst fans and analysts about the impact of Reese’s absence. WNBA analyst and former player, Candace Parker, recently expressed her concerns about the situation, stating that Reese’s absence is having a major impact on the team’s performance.
Reese, the 6’3” forward from University of Maryland, had an impressive debut season with Chicago Sky in 2025. She averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game, showing her potential to become one of the league’s top players. However, her promising start was cut short when she suffered a season-ending injury that led her to miss the remainder of the 2025 season.
Fast forward to the 2026 season, and fans were eagerly waiting for Reese’s return to the court. But as games went by and Reese was still not seen in a Sky jersey, questions began to arise about her recovery and eventual return to the team. The lack of updates from the team and Reese herself only added to the speculation.
But it’s not just her absence that is worrying fans and analysts. It’s the impact it’s having on the team’s performance. The Sky, who were once a top contender, have now dropped to the bottom half of the standings, with a record of 5-9. Despite having talented players like Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley, the team has struggled to find their rhythm without Reese on the court.
Parker, who won her first WNBA championship with the Chicago Sky last season, knows the importance of having a dominant post player like Reese on the team. In an interview with ESPN, she expressed her concerns about the team’s recent form and stated that Reese’s absence is undoubtedly playing a major role.
“Angel Reese is a game-changer. Her presence on the court is felt by both her teammates and opponents. Without her, the Sky are missing a key piece and it’s affecting their performance,” Parker said.
And she is not wrong. Reese’s athleticism, strength and versatility on both ends of the court were a major factor in the Sky’s success last season. Her ability to score in the paint, grab rebounds and defend against some of the league’s best players makes her a valuable asset to the team.
But it’s not just Reese’s impact on the court that is being missed. Off the court, she is also a leader and a role model for her teammates. Her hard work, determination and positive attitude have been praised by both her coaches and teammates. It’s no wonder that her absence has left a big void in the team.
However, amidst all the worry and speculation, the Chicago Sky remain optimistic about Reese’s return. In a recent statement, head coach James Wade addressed the issue and reassured fans that they are taking a cautious approach in bringing Reese back to the court.
“We know how important Angel is to this team and her recovery is our top priority. We want her to fully heal and come back stronger than ever. We are hopeful that she will return to the court soon and help the team turn things around,” Wade said.
And fans can only hope that Reese’s return will bring a much-needed boost to the Sky’s performance. Her presence on the court will not only improve the team’s offense and defense but also provide a much-needed morale boost for her teammates.
In the meantime, the Chicago Sky will have to find a way to win games without Reese on the court. With half of the 2026 season still remaining, there is still a chance for the team to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
One thing is for sure, whether she returns this season or not, Angel Reese’s impact on the Chicago Sky cannot be overlooked. And her return will be a momentous occasion for both the team and their fans. So let’s remain positive and trust that Reese will be back on the court soon, leading the Sky to victory once again.
