Angel Reese has transitioned to the WNBA from college basketball without much resistance. She went from one of the country’s best collegiate players to a legitimate professional All-Star.
She was drafted No 7 overall by the Chicago Sky in April, with the Minnesota Lynx trading down a spot to avoid taking Reese.
Lynx President and head coach Cheryl Reeve decided to pass on Reese because she was not a fit for the team’s scheme.
Reeve thought the introduction of Reese would stunt the impact of Sylvia Fowles, opting to take Alissa Pili instead.
Pili averages 6.4 minutes per game, while Reese barely comes off the court.
Angel Reese is having a phenomenal rookie season for the Chicago Sky after leaving LSU
Reeve could have selected Reese at No 7 overall in the WNBA Draft but opted to trade down
Reeve also served as the head coach at the Olympics for Team USA, leaving Reese off the gold-medal roster.
Reeve watched Caitlin Clark, Reese and others defeat Team USA at the WNBA All-Star Game last month, the only time the Americans lost this summer.
Reese has proven to be the kind of player you build and offensive and defensive scheme around, not fill in with whatever remaining spots a roster has available.
With Reese off the roster, the Sky would be one of the worst teams in the WNBA, not fighting for a playoff spot.
In turn, the Lynx with Reese would be one of the league’s best, a title they already can make a long-shot case for without the LSU national champion.
If Reeve stays as Team USA head coach, it may be impossible for her to leave Reese off the American Olympic roster for when the global event comes to Los Angeles in 2028.
Until then, Reeve may have seller’s remorse, while Reese continues to increase her star profile.
If it was not for Clark, Reese would be a slam-dunk pick for WNBA Rookie of the Year.
