After a two-game absence, Sky forward Angel Reese is returning Tuesday night -- but amid Chicago's continued struggles, the franchise is fast reaching an inflection point.
Reese went through shootaround in Washington on Tuesday afternoon as the Sky prepare for a tough test against the Mystics. Head coach Tyler Marsh then confirmed Reese's availability, which should bring a welcome boost to Chicago after the Sky (7-18) lost the past two games by a combined 53 points.
MORE: Amid Angel Reese absence, Sky guard tears into Chicago's 'gross basketball'
Hoping for some backcourt help out of former WNBA champion Marquesha Davis, the Sky instead released her Monday before the expiration of her hardship contract. General manager Jeff Pagliocca then pivoted to sign former Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury guard Sevgi Uzun, but Uzun will not be with the team until it returns to Chicago on Friday.
"We like her ability to be aggressive defensively, also her ability to command an offense," Marsh said Tuesday. "Maybe that will allow us to get Rachel (Banham) off the ball a little bit more and more in her natural element."
Assuming she debuts against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, Uzun will become the 14th different player to suit up for the Sky this season, as the franchise seeks answers at the guard positions. Backcourt questions have plagued Chicago for much of the past two seasons -- and as a result of the Sky's 20-45 record in that span, Pagliocca's future with the franchise is coming into question.
Sky beat reporter Karli Bell believes second-year GM Pagliocca's seat is "getting warm" amid Chicago's continued instability. With a new practice facility slated to open in April 2026, Chicago is hoping to generate a more-positive outlook from players and executives around the WNBA.
But even with a bonafide star like Reese in the fold, the Sky seems to be further behind other retooling teams like the Mystics and the Los Angeles Sparks.
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