Angel Reese has sensationally revealed that her first season in the WNBA is over due to a wrist injury.
Reese announced the news in a bombshell statement on Saturday night but she did not specify what the issue was. The Chicago Sky later said that a wrist problem was to blame but did not elaborate on the precise injury or if she needs surgery.
Reese, 22, wrote: ‘What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2.
‘Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so.
‘I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next.
‘Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.” You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon!’
Reese played Friday night for the Sky as they snapped their seven-game losing skid against Los Angeles Sparks.
Reese finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds for her rookie record 26th double-double of the season. And she made 9 of 15 shots with a 3-pointer and all five of her free throws.
Reese also spoke to the media for nearly 15 minutes after Friday’s victory and seemed in high spirits, making no mention of any injury.
But speaking about the team’s losing streak, Reese poignantly said: ‘Adversity builds character. It’s so easy to just be on the high and not go through things.’ And her team said on Saturday night, shortly after Reese announced the news herself: ‘After undergoing further medical evaluation after the September 6 game against Los Angeles, Angel Reese has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season with a wrist injury, the team announced today. The team will provide medical updates later as needed.’
The Chicago Sky team are locked in a battle with Atlanta Dream to make the post-season playoffs, making Reese’s season-ending injury an absolute hammer blow.
The Sky need Caitlin Clark – Reese’s great rival – and Indiana Fever to help them on Sunday with a win against Atlanta. At present, both Chicago and Atlanta are 12-22 for the season. The Sky also play Dallas Wings on Sunday evening.
Reese was picked seventh in the WNBA Draft in New York earlier this year, declaring for the WNBA after playing for LSU in college.
Along with Clark, who was the first pick, Reese has helped drive interest in the WNBA to a new level, thanks in no small part to the rivalry between them.
Only this week she dropped the first episode of her new podcast, where she controversially claimed that some of Clark’s fans are racist.
Her season-ending injury will all but end the debate about who should win rookie of the year, with the path now clear for Clark to claim the honor. She was already favorite but Reese was, by far, her nearest competitor.
But now, Reese has to hit the comeback trail for 2025. The start dates of the season are yet to be announced but next year’s Draft is scheduled for April.
She finishes the 2024 season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds. It’s the highest rebound average in the history of the WNBA. Reese also set the rookie record with 26 double-doubles – her last coming in a 92-78 win over Los Angeles on Friday night.
The Sky rookie finished with 446 total rebounds this year – including a record 172 on the offensive end.
Reese is currently slated to play in the new 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, that will start in the winter in Miami.
