Angel Reese Faces Pivotal Career Shift as Chicago Sky Coach Redefines Her Role for 2025 WNBA Season

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, Angel Reese, one of the league’s most talked-about young stars, is facing a dramatic transformation in her playing role with the Chicago Sky for the 2025 season. The decision, orchestrated by new head coach Tyler Marsh, is not just a minor adjustment—it’s a complete reimagining of Reese’s place on the court and could redefine her entire basketball career.

The preseason is fast approaching, and all eyes are on the Chicago Sky as they prepare for a fresh chapter. Yet, the headlines aren’t about new signings or championship aspirations. Instead, the focus has shifted to Angel Reese and the radical changes being implemented in how she will be utilized. Traditionally known for her relentless energy and ability to dominate the paint, Reese has built her reputation on offensive rebounding and putbacks. However, her shooting efficiency near the basket has been a persistent concern. Last season, Reese shot just 39.1% from within five feet of the rim—the lowest percentage among all WNBA players who logged significant minutes. In a league where elite post players regularly convert these high-percentage looks at rates above 60%, Reese’s struggles in the paint have become impossible to ignore.

This statistical reality has forced the Sky’s coaching staff to confront some hard truths. Rather than doubling down on developing her post skills, Coach Marsh has decided to move Reese away from the basket, assigning her a modified role that emphasizes mid-range shooting and off-ball movement. The strategy is bold and, to some, controversial. It’s akin to asking a lion to leave the jungle—Reese is being pushed out of her comfort zone, and the basketball world is watching closely to see how she responds.

The numbers don’t lie. Reese’s inefficiency under the basket has led to wasted possessions and stalled offensive momentum for the Sky. On multiple occasions, she has grabbed offensive rebounds only to miss several putback attempts before finally scoring, if at all. These sequences not only frustrate fans but also sap the team’s energy and effectiveness. With the departure of scoring threats like Kennedy Carter, opposing defenses can now focus even more on containing Reese, further exposing her limitations in the paint.

Coach Marsh’s vision for the 2025 season is clear: reinvent Angel Reese as a stretch four, capable of contributing from mid-range and creating space for her teammates. This shift is not without its challenges. Reese’s shooting mechanics have been described by scouts as slow and unrefined, making her transition to a perimeter-oriented game a daunting task. In the fast-paced environment of the WNBA, a slow release can be a fatal flaw, giving defenders ample time to contest shots and disrupt offensive flow.

Despite these concerns, Reese has projected confidence in recent interviews, expressing a willingness to adapt and learn whatever the team needs. Yet, the gap between her optimism and her current skill set is notable. Changing shooting mechanics is an arduous process, demanding not only physical adjustments but also the rewiring of muscle memory developed over years of play. Most professional athletes spend seasons, if not entire careers, perfecting new skills before making them a primary part of their arsenal. Reese, however, is being asked to make this transformation in a matter of months, under the intense scrutiny of fans and analysts alike.

The upcoming preseason matchups, including a high-profile game against the Barcelona national team, will be the first real test of this experiment. Observers will be keen to see whether Reese can rise to the occasion, knocking down mid-range jumpers and proving that this new approach can succeed. Every shot she takes will be analyzed, every miss dissected, as the basketball world waits to see if Coach Marsh’s gamble will pay off.

The implications of this role change extend beyond Reese herself. Moving her away from the basket opens up the paint for other players, such as Camila Cardoso, who may be better equipped to convert inside opportunities. This could lead to a more balanced and effective offense for the Sky, with improved spacing and less congestion in the key. At the same time, it raises questions about Reese’s trademark double-doubles, which have been a cornerstone of her brand and appeal. If she is no longer stationed under the basket, her offensive rebounding numbers may decline, potentially diminishing one of her greatest strengths.

However, there is a potential silver lining. By embracing a new identity as a perimeter-oriented forward, Reese could unlock aspects of her game that have yet to be fully realized. Her energy, tenacity, and defensive prowess are undeniable, and a shift in focus could allow her to become a rebounding and defensive specialist, similar to NBA legend Dennis Rodman. In this scenario, the Sky could build their team identity around her hustle and presence, rather than relying on her as a primary scoring option.

For Reese, the stakes could not be higher. The Sky’s coaching staff is betting on her ability to adapt and reinvent herself in a league that demands constant evolution. If she succeeds, she could emerge as a more versatile and valuable player, capable of impacting games in new ways. If she struggles, however, the experiment could mark the beginning of a decline in her professional trajectory.

The transformation of Angel Reese’s role is a fascinating case study in the challenges and opportunities faced by young athletes in the modern WNBA. It highlights the importance of adaptability, the relentless pursuit of improvement, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about one’s game. As the 2025 season unfolds, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Reese can rise to the occasion and redefine what it means to be successful in the league.

Ultimately, the story of Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky is about more than just basketball. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and the courage to embrace change in the face of adversity. Whether this bold experiment leads to triumph or disappointment, it will undoubtedly shape the narrative of Reese’s career and offer valuable lessons for players, coaches, and fans alike. The next chapter begins now, and the entire basketball world will be watching.