Angel Reese broke multiple WNBA records during her rookie season with the Chicago Sky. None of them were as a scorer. Not even one.
With that in mind, new head coach Tyler Marsh is choosing to limit her role on offense after working alongside the front office to build a roster that will prevent another painstaking brickfest.
Reese, drafted No. 7 overall in 2024, set WNBA records for most rebounds in a single season, most rebounds per game in a single season, most offensive rebounds in a single season and most consecutive double-doubles in a single season. She was an animal on the glass on both sides of the floor.
However, the 6-foot-3, 165-pound forward shot less than 40% from the field, 11.1% on shots between five and nine feet, 33.3% on shots between 10 and 14 feet, 35.7% on shots between 15 and 19 feet, 18.2% on shots between 20 and 24 feet, and ~18% on shots beyond 25 feet. The vast majority of her made baskets were less than five feet away from the rim.
And even then, there were multiple instances in which Reese was accused of stat-padding because she would miss so many easy shots, only to grab her own rebound and immediately miss again. That trend continued during her season with ‘Unrivaled.’
The Chicago Sky is asking Angel Reese to adapt to its new offense.
This is not to discredit Angel Reese! She is going to be one of the league’s biggest stars for a very long time but her team will be more successful if she does not post-up as often. Marsh agrees.
Chicago drafted Hailey Van Lith, Ajsa Sivka and Aicha Coulibaly last month. All three picks were focused on perimeter shooting, mid-range scoring and offense. They pair nicely with Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in the frontcourt. The Sky is going to spread out its offense to build more space in the half court.
Marsh wants Reese to play more as a stretch-four. He wants her to increase off-ball cuts and to keep the floor balanced with constant movement.
It’s obviously a transition for me. But I don’t mind if it frees up Kamilla. I know eventually in the game, if I’m the first post down, I’m ducking in. I know it’s going to come.
— Angel Reese
Marsh is still going to get Reese the ball when she rolls downhill off screens and on put-backs after a rebound. The goal is to change her shot profile to avoid double teams and help-side defense.
I’m still doing my post work, but I’ve got to come with more this year. I’ve got to be able to shoot the midrange shot, 10 to 15 feet, be able to shoot the three, the two consistently. I work every day on it, so I’ve got to take the shots.
— Angel Reese
It is going to be a challenge for Angel Reese to take more shots outside of her comfort zone while also improving her efficiency. Tyler Marsh understands this. The Chicago Sky knows it might not happen overnight. All involved parties are willing to be patient.
And, if we’re being honest, Reese’s shooting can’t get much worse…