Angel Reese, the highly touted rookie for the Chicago Sky, is facing a significant and potentially career-altering shift in her role within the team. Citing concerns over her effectiveness in the paint, the Sky’s coaching staff is actively working to reposition Reese away from the basket, focusing instead on developing her mid-range shooting capabilities. This strategic maneuver, while intended to unlock her full potential, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate within the basketball community, questioning Reese’s adaptability and the overall impact on the team’s dynamics.

The impetus for this drastic change stems from a stark reality: Reese’s shooting percentages near the rim have been demonstrably poor. In a league where efficiency is paramount, this deficiency has limited her impact on the court and forced the coaching staff to reassess her best fit within the Sky’s offensive scheme. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making in modern basketball has placed a spotlight on these shortcomings, making the need for adaptation undeniable.

While Reese possesses undeniable athleticism and tenacity, her inability to consistently convert shots in the paint has become increasingly apparent. Comparative analysis reveals a significant disparity between her performance and that of elite WNBA players, who demonstrate far higher conversion rates on shots near the basket. Furthermore, observers have noted a lack of polished footwork and a tendency to pass the ball in situations where a more aggressive scoring approach might be warranted. This hesitation, while perhaps stemming from a team-first mentality, ultimately undermines her scoring potential.

The absence of key teammate Kennedy Carter has further exacerbated these issues. Without Carter drawing defensive attention, opposing teams have been able to focus their efforts on Reese, exposing her weaknesses and limiting her opportunities. Her struggles on offensive rebounds, often resulting in missed put-back attempts, underscore the need for improvement in fundamental skills typically expected of professional players.

The coaching staff’s decision to transition Reese away from her traditional post-centric game is a bold gamble. The objective is to cultivate her ability to score from the mid-range, a skill that could potentially stretch the floor and create more opportunities for her teammates. However, this transformation is not without its challenges. Reese’s shooting mechanics, particularly her slow release, present a considerable hurdle. In the fast-paced and highly competitive WNBA, defenders react quickly, and a slow release can render even a well-aimed shot ineffective.

Reese is reportedly working diligently to adapt her shooting style, focusing on off-dribble shots and catch-and-shoot scenarios. This represents a significant departure from her established skill set and requires a complete overhaul of her muscle memory. The process is undoubtedly demanding and will require patience and unwavering dedication from both Reese and the coaching staff.

The upcoming preseason game against Barcelona will serve as a crucial litmus test for Reese’s progress and her ability to execute the new offensive strategy under pressure. The game will provide valuable insights into her comfort level in the stretch four role and her effectiveness in the mid-range.

However, this positional shift also carries potential drawbacks. Moving Reese away from the basket could diminish her opportunities for offensive rebounds, a key component of her signature double-double performances that contributed significantly to her early fame and success. This shift may necessitate a recalibration of expectations regarding her statistical output.

The success of this offensive experiment is pivotal for the Sky’s overall performance in the 2025 season. The team has acknowledged the need for improvement following previous coaching strategies, and this bold move represents a significant effort to unlock the team’s full potential. The coaching staff believes that by addressing Reese’s weaknesses and developing her strengths in new areas, they can create a more dynamic and versatile offensive attack.

Ultimately, the decision to reposition Angel Reese away from the basket could prove to be a surprising and effective solution to her early-career struggles. By focusing on developing her mid-range shooting capabilities, the Chicago Sky is hoping to unlock her full potential and create a more well-rounded player. However, the success of this transformation hinges on Reese’s adaptability, her willingness to embrace change, and the unwavering support of the coaching staff. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this pivotal career shift will revitalize Reese’s career or lead to an unforeseen decline. The basketball world will be watching closely as she embarks on this challenging, yet potentially transformative, journey.