Angel Reese reveals other WNBA teams regret their decision to not draft the Chicago Sky rookie after record setting season.

Record setting season from Chicago Sky rookie showed WNBA opponents Angel Reese’s talent and skill

Every once in a while a Rookie comes along and plays better than most veterans. Angel Reese is one such player who played one of the best rookie seasons of any player in a long time. In fact, many felt that the Chicago Sky star exceeded expectations.

The new all-time single-season rebounding leader took to her new podcast to talk about her debut season. When co-host Maya Reese asked her about being known as the steal of the draft, the rookie replied:

Players on other teams say like, 'I wish we drafted you?' Teams that were above me, the players that got drafted, it was nothing against their rookies that got drafted. But they were like, 'I wish we were teammates'. It feels really good to know like vets really want to play with me, love me, respect me and respect my game.

Angel Reese on Unapolegetically Angel

Angel Reese was smiling as she said that. She has been able to surpass the criticisms of her college game and transitioned well to the pros. However, we don’t see her rival and possibly ROTY, Caitlin Clark tooting her own horn. This displays another stark difference between the two.

She still has her shooting efficiency to work on. But she has mentioned recently that this is only year one for her. With time she will work on her shooting. Now down with a season-ending injury, she will probably resume work on her game before the upcoming Unrivaled League.

Steal of the draft 👀🔥

Watch full episode here: https://t.co/PRkTaOQ3PO pic.twitter.com/htgTLePbMU

— Unapologetically Angel (@angelreeseshow) September 5, 2024

But so far, her single-season rookie as well as consecutive double-double records have lifted her to a different level in the WNBA. However, A’ja Wilson could break Reese’s single-season rebounding record if she continues her MVP-level play.

Angel Reese and Chicago Sky finish year 1 of the rebuild on a high

Her wrist injury came at the most crucial time for Chicago Sky. They can make the playoffs if they win a few more games. Reese will be missed for her crucial rebounds. Her focus on cleaning up the glass has brought them points that could otherwise have been lost.

Many aspects went against the Sky this season. First, they had to wait for fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso to debut after missing time with a shoulder injury. Then rookie head coach Teresa Weatherspoon rotated lineups to figure out their best starting five. Leading scorer Marina Mabrey requested a trade and joined a championship contender, leaving the Sky to lose 7 straight games.

That and Angel Reese’s injury, has put them in danger of missing out on the playoffs. But even then, for a rebuilding franchise, finishing in 8th or just outside the playoffs is a decent way to finish a season. For Reese, she can rest on her laurels until the next WNBA season starts.