Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season following a wrist injury she sustained in a recent game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

The rookie star announced her decision on TikTok, explaining that doctors had offered her the option to avoid surgery.

However, she chose to undergo the procedure after being advised about the potential long-term consequences, such as arthritis, if left untreated.

“Basically the doctors told me that I could either not get surgery or have surgery,” Reese opened up about her injury.

“The risk of not having surgery, I could literally have arthritis at 22 years old. That wasn’t an option. The bone could literally crack and literally completely shatter. Right now it’s like a hairline. Literally a hairline like shatter.”

Set to undergo surgery

Reese is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, bringing an early end to what had been a standout rookie campaign.

The former LSU star posted strong averages of 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, consistently delivering double-doubles and establishing herself as a key player for the Sky.

While Reese‘s absence is a setback, Chicago showed resilience by winning their first game without her, defeating the Dallas Wings 92-77.

With five games remaining in the regular season, the Sky, currently holding an 8th-place spot with a 13-22 record, will continue their push for a playoff berth.