Angel Reese, WNBA Rookie of the Year Candidate, Announces Season-Ending Injury
The WNBA community was dealt a devastating blow today as Angel Reese, a top contender for the Rookie of the Year award, announced that her season has come to an abrupt end due to a season-ending injury.
Reese, who was drafted by the Chicago Sky with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft, had been having a phenomenal rookie season, averaging 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Her impressive play had earned her a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie team and had made her a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.
However, during a game against the Dallas Wings on January 15th, Reese suffered a severe wrist injury that will require surgery. After consulting with team doctors and undergoing further evaluation, it was determined that Reese’s season is over.
“I’m heartbroken to announce that my season has come to an end,” Reese said in a statement. “I was having the time of my life playing in the WNBA and competing against the best players in the world. I’m going to miss my teammates and the energy of the crowd, but I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger and healthier next season.”
The injury is a significant blow to the Chicago Sky, who were relying on Reese’s contributions to make a deep playoff run. The team will now have to regroup and adjust their lineup to compensate for the loss of their talented rookie.
“Angel was a key part of our team and her injury is a tough loss for us,” said Chicago Sky head coach, James Wade. “However, we have a deep and talented roster and we’re confident that we can still make a strong push for the playoffs. We’ll miss Angel’s energy and production, but we’re looking forward to seeing her back on the court next season.”
Reese’s injury also throws a wrench into the Rookie of the Year race, which was shaping up to be a tight competition between her and other top rookies, including Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Clark, in particular, is now the clear frontrunner for the award, but Reese’s impressive play earlier in the season will still be taken into consideration by voters.
Despite the setback, Reese is already looking to the future and is focused on her rehabilitation and recovery. She is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks and will begin a lengthy rehabilitation process to repair her injured wrist.
“I’m going to use this time to focus on my recovery and come back stronger than ever,” Reese said. “I’m grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches, and fans, and I’m excited to get back on the court and compete at the highest level.”
The WNBA community will certainly miss Reese’s presence on the court, but they will also be rooting for her as she embarks on her road to recovery. With her talent, work ethic, and determination, there’s no doubt that Reese will come back stronger and more resilient than ever.
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