The Chicago Sky’s struggles have taken a new and painful turn. They selected Angel Reese in the draft, signaling hope for a fresh start, but missing the playoffs the last two seasons and Reese’s public criticism of the team’s lack of support on the court have cast doubt on both her future with the franchise and the team’s direction.
Adding to their woes, the team’s poor performance in the 2025 season hurt their chances of snagging the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Chicago swapped draft rights with the Minnesota Lynx in a 2024 trade, which allowed Chicago to pick Reese seventh overall and gave Minnesota exclusive first-round picks in 2026 to select Haley Van Lith at No. 11 in the 2025 draft. Fortunately, the Sky still have the Connecticut Sun’s first-round pick, acquired through a mid-season trade involving Marina Mabry in 2024, and hold a 5.5% chance to win the upcoming draft lottery on November 23 (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), giving them a shot at the top pick.
However, even the No. 1 pick may not fully fix Chicago’s challenges or satisfy Reese. The team is in dire need of wins across the board, and fresh talent might finally bring hope.
Lauren Betts from UCLA is a promising center who could bolster the Sky’s frontcourt. Despite potential overlap with Reese and Camila Cardoso, any capable player is valuable for the struggling Sky, making Betts a worthy consideration if they secure the top pick.
Olivia Miles, a standout guard from TCU who previously played at Notre Dame, is also a strong candidate. Averaging career highs of 17.5 points and 7.8 assists, Miles would be a valuable addition regardless of Reese’s status. She might be the safest and most reliable pick Chicago can make.
Fraujei Johnson from LSU could bring flair and substance to the team. A skilled perimeter player averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, Johnson could immediately become a starter and a franchise cornerstone if reunited with Reese.
The outlook for the Sky looks grim, but fortune could swiftly turn. If Chicago can mend relations with Reese and clinch the draft lottery, they might steer the team back on course. Otherwise, a rebuilding phase may be inevitable. For the sake of Chicago fans, here’s hoping they win the lottery or acquire a player capable of changing their trajectory.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for WNBA fans because it highlights the real challenges even talented teams face in balancing star power, team chemistry, and rebuilding strategies. The Sky’s future could serve as a pivotal example for how franchises navigate growth and adversity in a league gaining more national attention and competitive depth.
