WNBA: New York Liberty at Chicago Sky Sky forward Angel Reese (5) looks on during the first half of a WNBA game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

‘Downside’: Chicago Sky PF Angel Reese’s rebounding title threatened amid ‘raised expectations’

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 14, 2025 2:13 PM ET

New Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh is shaking things up on offense. The Sky have a few new toys on offense with Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, Rebecca Allen, and Kia Nurse.

Chicago relied on Chennedy Carter (now a free agent) to pull the weight of the offense in 2024. The result led to a 13-27 record and no playoff appearance. The makeup of the offense also allowed Angel Reese to break the WNBA’s record for most rebounds in a single season with 446 rebounds, 13.1 per game.

Chicago hopes for a better record in Reese’s second season. Per Kevin Pelton of ESPN, there are “raised expectations” for Reese around the WNBA in 2025.

The Chicago Sky have high expectations in 2025

The Sky believe they have enough juice to make the playoffs. Per ESPN BET, Chicago has a 50-50 shot of finishing with a top-eight record.

Pelton thinks the only downside of the new offense for Reese is that her title as the WNBA’s rebound leader is under threat because Chicago can score more efficiently.

“About the only downside for Reese is that an improved Sky offense could mean fewer rebound opportunities after she joined Yolanda Griffith as just the second player in league history to average at least five offensive rebounds per game last season,” Pelton wrote. “That’s a tradeoff Reese will surely take.”

Angel Reese still wants to be a rebounder

WNBA: New York Liberty at Chicago Sky Sky forward Angel Reese (5) shoots a free throw against the New York Liberty during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

On Monday, Reese said that she plans to hound the glass this season because “rebounds win championships.” She also has her sights set on making the WNBA’s All-Defensive Team in 2025.

Per the results of the Sky’s final preseason game, it could be a challenge for Reese to match the rebounding production she had in her rookie season.

While playing the role of point forward, Reese finished with three rebounds in 25 minutes during the Sky’s 92-87 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday. Five-foot-10, 167-pound guard, Atkins, finished with seven.