Angel Reese entered the WNBA with all the markings of the league’s next big star. Fresh off a record-setting rookie season with the Chicago Sky—highlighted by 15 consecutive double-doubles and leading the league in rebounds—Reese became a household name almost overnight. Charismatic, confident, and fiercely competitive, she seemed destined to anchor the Sky and grow into one of the WNBA’s leading faces.

But just a year later, that meteoric rise has hit turbulence. Following a disastrous start to the 2025 season, capped by an unexpected late-game benching and troubling reports of locker room discord, questions are beginning to swirl: Is Reese’s dream already slipping away?

Reese’s rookie campaign was a breath of fresh air for Chicago. She averaged 13.6 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, earning All-Star honors and breaking records in her first year. Her rebounding prowess and tenacity in the paint earned comparisons to legends of the game. Off the court, she brought attention to the league with her unapologetic persona, magnetic presence, and bold fashion statements.

Yet, her sophomore season began with warning signs. In the Sky’s first two games of 2025, Reese struggled mightily—shooting just 5-of-22 from the field and committing 10 turnovers. Chicago lost both games by a combined 60 points. Social media turned harsh quickly, with critics calling her “overhyped” and blaming her for the team’s struggles.

The turning point came in a game against the Dallas Wings. With the Sky trying to mount a late comeback, Reese was shockingly benched for the final stretch. While head coach Tyler Marsh chalked the move up to “rotational decisions,” sources later suggested something deeper: a heated halftime exchange, raised voices, and items thrown in frustration.

Reese skipped the post-game press conference and missed the team’s next voluntary shootaround, fueling speculation that tensions were rising behind the scenes. While no official statement was issued, fans and analysts began to wonder if maturity—or lack thereof—was becoming an issue.

Statistically, Reese’s performance this season has regressed in key areas. Her field goal percentage is down to around 30%, among the lowest for starting forwards. She’s averaging nearly 4 turnovers per game, double her rookie year average. And offensively, she’s struggled to establish a reliable go-to move.

Candace Parker, one of the league’s most respected voices, recently pointed out the importance of developing a signature move—something Caitlin Clark and other young stars have quickly embraced. Reese’s game, while energetic and physical, still lacks the polish needed for consistent scoring at the pro level.

Some analysts argue Reese is being unfairly singled out. Chicago’s roster has been in flux, with a new coaching staff, limited veteran leadership, and ongoing injuries. Even Marsh, when questioned, defended his young forward, saying she contributes in ways that don’t always show in the box score and emphasizing that minutes were being managed carefully following her wrist rehab.

There’s merit to that. Reese is still one of the league’s top rebounders, averaging over 11 boards a game. Her defensive presence in the paint remains impactful. But in a results-driven league, potential must eventually translate into wins—and leadership.

While her on-court game wobbles, Reese remains a major presence off it. She leads the league in social media engagement, headlines fashion stories, and continues to draw attention to the WNBA from younger audiences. But critics argue that the spotlight, while valuable, may be distracting from the work still needed on fundamentals and team chemistry.

Reese is at a crossroads.

At just 23, her story is far from written. The talent is there. The passion is undeniable. But the expectations are enormous—and the margin for error is shrinking. If she can reduce turnovers, find a consistent offensive rhythm, and grow as a leader, she can still rise to the top tier of the league.

But if frustration continues to mount—on the court and in the locker room—her star could dim before it fully shines.

Angel Reese’s dream isn’t over. But it’s no longer a sure thing. Her next moves, both on and off the court, will define whether she becomes the face of the league—or another “what-if” in a sport that demands both talent and tenacity. The WNBA is watching. So is the world.