The Chicago Sky may not have made the playoffs in 2024 but still got plenty of encouragement for the future. Angel Reese establishing herself as a rising star and one of the most popular young players in the league, was one of the biggest wins for the Sky.
In her rookie season, Reese set the foundation for a successful WNBA career, breaking several records and impressing with her rebounding. Now, she just has to continue to develop and improve. Despite how successful her first season was, Reese still has plenty to work on. The biggest criticism she continuously receives is that she needs to be more efficient, particularly on layups.
Reese finished the 2024 regular season shooting only 39.1 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from three (on a very low volume). That was one of the worst field goal percentages in the league, especially among forwards, but still better than players like Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, and Jewell Loyd. So, while Reese certainly needs to improve her efficiency, particularly around the rim, she is not the only star who struggled with that last season.
Plus, on the bright side, it is only up from here. After all, 2024 was just Reese’s first season, and the defense bigs face in the WNBA is much different than in college. Knowing what to expect in her second season should already help Reese improve her efficiency.
Lisa Leslie certainly thinks so and had some encouraging comments for Reese and Sky fans.
Lisa Leslie believes inefficient layups won’t be a problem for Reese much longer
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie appeared on the latest episode of Reese’s podcast “Unapologetically Angel” and answered some intriguing questions. One of those questions was what advice she would give Reese for her second WNBA season.
“Season two, I can’t wait to work with you some more,” Leslie said. “The biggest advice I have for you is going to be how you shoot your layups…we’re gonna fix that. That’s fixable for you.”
Leslie also went on to praise Reese’s desire to get better and work hard, her defense, and her improving ball handling.
For Sky fans, there is plenty to be excited about here. First of all, hearing a basketball legend like Lisa Leslie say that she wants to work with your franchise player should always be a reason for excitement. Secondly, if Reese can improve her layup and scoring efficiency, it will immediately raise the Sky’s ceiling. Last season, Reese established herself as the Sky’s star, and for now, the team will go as far as she can take it. Addressing her inefficiency is the first step for Reese toward becoming a true star in the WNBA and one of the best players on a competitive team.