Sky GM says Angel Reese on team 'until I hear differently' - ESPN

After a strained end of the season between the Chicago Sky and franchise player Angel Reese, general manager Jeff Pagliocca said Friday that «until I hear differently, that's the direction we're going to move, is that she's on the roster.»

Reese, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, was suspended for a half on Sunday after making comments to the Chicago Tribune that the franchise deemed «detrimental to the team» — an organizational decision that came from the top down, according to coach Tyler Marsh.

Reese did not take the court for the Sky after the announcement, and the team listed her as dealing with a back injury for its final three games, spurring concern that the relationship between franchise and star had fragmented — perhaps beyond repair.

«Angel is an ascending young talent in this league who's had two very, very good seasons here in Chicago,» Pagliocca said Friday. «Obviously we went through what we did. I feel like we closed the chapter on it. She spoke to her teammates, she spoke publicly. We moved on as a team. She's a special player. And I have good conversations with Angel daily, with her team daily. They're constant, and they're productive.»

The two-time All-Star apologized publicly and to the team privately, and the organization has said since last week it's looking to put the incident behind them.

The Sky went 1-13 this season without Reese, who led the league in rebounds per game (12.6) and double-doubles (23), while also pacing the team in scoring (14.7 PPG) and assists (3.7).

Frustration over the Reese situation and more broadly about the franchise's direction boiled over in the team's season finale Thursday, with some fans holding signs that read «Free Angel» and «Sell the Team» and at one point some