Expectations were sky-high for Angel Reese, the former LSU superstar and top WNBA draft pick, heading into the final game of the Chicago Sky’s 2024 preseason. But instead of a dominant performance to cap off her transition into the pros, Reese’s night quickly unraveled—and fans are pointing the finger at the Sky’s strange usage of their rookie star.

Out of Position and Out of Rhythm

Reese, known for her elite rebounding, post presence, and physicality in the paint, looked uncomfortable for most of the game. Why? Because the Sky had her operating almost exclusively on the perimeter.

Instead of letting her do damage down low, Chicago ran sets that had Reese floating around the three-point line, setting screens, and occasionally initiating offense from the top of the key. It was a head-scratching strategy for a player who made her name dominating the interior.

“She looked like she was thinking too much,” one analyst said on the postgame broadcast. “This isn’t her game—and it showed.”

The Stats Tell the Story

Reese finished the game with just 4 points on 2-of-9 shooting, along with 3 rebounds and 4 turnovers in 20 minutes. She appeared out of rhythm, hesitant to shoot from range, and struggled to find the aggressive edge that made her a force in college.

Fans immediately voiced concern on social media, with some calling the performance “painful to watch” and questioning the coaching staff’s decision-making.

Backlash from Fans and Analysts

Twitter and WNBA forums lit up with criticism after the game. The general sentiment? The Sky are misusing one of the most promising rookies in the league.

“Why draft Angel Reese just to turn her into a stretch four? That’s not what made her great,” one user wrote.

Others pointed out that trying to force Reese into a role she’s clearly not ready for—especially during the preseason—could damage her confidence right out of the gate.

Coaching Experiment Gone Wrong?

To be fair, preseason is a time for experimentation. Coaches want to test lineups, spacing, and versatility. But in this case, it seems like the Sky’s experiment came at the expense of their star rookie’s comfort and effectiveness.

Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon hasn’t publicly addressed the decision yet, but reporters expect questions to be asked after the game.

What Needs to Change Before the Regular Season?

If the Sky want to get the best out of Angel Reese, the blueprint is simple: get her back in the paint.

She doesn’t need to be a three-point shooter or floor-spacing forward. Her impact comes from hustle plays, offensive boards, mid-post face-ups, and gritty defense. That’s where she thrives—and that’s where Chicago needs her most.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call, Not a Setback

Yes, it was a rough night for Angel Reese. But one poor preseason performance doesn’t define a rookie’s future. What matters now is whether the Sky coaching staff adjusts and plays to her strengths moving forward.

With her work ethic and competitive fire, don’t be surprised if Reese bounces back big in the regular season—as long as she’s put in the right position to succeed.