The Chicago Sky surprised a lot of fans by giving up their No. 3 draft pick in this year's WNBA Draft and signing Ariel Atkins from the Mystics instead, but it sounds like the team is getting ready for a fun 2025 season.
Atkins, who averaged 14.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 steals last season, is expected to help the team make it back to the playoffs this year, though not everyone sees the Sky as a true contender — not that she's bothered too much by that.
In an post game interview at Unrivaled Wednesday, Atkins told reporters that leaving the Mystics was "a mutual decision" for both parties. She also expressed that she's looking forward to working with Chicago's young talent, and in particular thinks she and Angel Reese will work well together for a big reason.
Ariel Atkins says Angel Reese has "really good hands"
Atkins expressed a lot of positivity about Reese. While acknowledging that she's only been on the Sky for a few days, Atkins said that getting to know Reese in Miami has been a gift. "She has excitement to get better for the game," Atkins said before adding that she has been impressed by "seeing her in the games ... her energy and her ability to catch balls, just her hands."
"She's got really good hands," Atkins added of Reese. "And for me, that's exciting because I love a pick-and-roll action, just like anybody else. I do like hitting my post players, I do try to balance it out, so just kind of off the top of my head, that's something that I'm excited about."
Atkins also says she loves being a role model for kids
Atkins was also asked about how she feels about being a role model for children, especially Black girls. "I think it's huge," she said. "[It's] just the biggest reason why I started my foundation, but also why I enjoy just going out into the city and being around the kids at random events."
Atkins also said she wants kids to see the jersey "is a cape." She added, "It's something that I get to put on, but it's also something you can put on, too. So when I go back home, I love working out with younger kids, too, just to show them the only difference between me and them is time and the work that I was putting in — nothing that you see in front of you is out of reach."