Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Shows Signs of Recovery as She Prepares for WNBA Return

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has given fans an encouraging update on her recovery, hinting that she’s ready for a return to the WNBA after being seen without the hand brace she had been wearing for weeks. With the 2025 WNBA season set to kick off in May, Reese’s visible progress signals that she may be nearing full fitness ahead of training camp, and her return to the court could come sooner than expected.

Reese, 22, made an explosive debut during her rookie season, but her promising campaign was cut short by a hairline fracture in her wrist. The injury sidelined her for much of the final stretch, and she underwent surgery to address the issue, ensuring that her long-term health would not be compromised. Since then, she has been working diligently to regain her form and strength for the upcoming season.

Reese’s Offseason Journey and Her Impact in Unrivaled

Despite the setback, Reese has remained active in the basketball world during the offseason. She participated in Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 league that features some of the best players in the WNBA. Unfortunately, her injury flared up again, and she was ruled out for the final weekend of the tournament, including the semifinal and final rounds, which her Rose BC teammates won, claiming the inaugural 3-on-3 championship.

Though Reese was sidelined during the final leg of Unrivaled, her time in the league was still a crucial opportunity for growth. It provided her with valuable experience and allowed her to continue building her reputation as one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball.

A Glimmer of Hope: No Hand Brace in Sight

However, a more recent development suggests that Reese is inching closer to a full recovery. During a workout with NBA and WNBA player development specialist Iren Rainey, Reese was seen without the hand brace she had been wearing for weeks. Rainey posted a video of Reese shooting hoops, and in the caption, he referred to her as the Unrivaled champion, giving fans hope that she’s on the mend and gearing up for the upcoming season.

Chicago Bulls and Sky beat writer Julia Poe noted the significance of the moment, stating, “Angel Reese back in the gym and out of that hand brace today.” Poe also pointed out that Reese had been wearing the brace in all of her public appearances for the past three weeks, making this new development a positive sign for her recovery. Poe went on to write on X, “Good sign for Angel less than three weeks out from training camp,” reinforcing the optimism surrounding Reese’s return to action.

The Road to Recovery: Reese’s Surgery and Future Plans

Reese’s wrist injury and the decision to undergo surgery were deeply personal decisions. Reflecting on the injury back in September 2024, Reese explained how the fall occurred during a play when she made an and-one basket. “I fell on my hand when I got the and-1, when I fell back [and] fell on my hand, and it is a small crack in my bone,” she said.

The injury required a more detailed approach than initially anticipated. Reese explained the options presented by her doctors: “They told me I could either not get surgery or have surgery. The risk of not having surgery—I could literally have arthritis at 22 years old.” Given the risks, she chose surgery, where a small screw was placed in her wrist to stabilize the bone and prevent further damage.

Not taking any chances with her long-term health, Reese stated, “That wasn’t an option. The bone could literally crack and completely shatter. Right now, it’s like a hairline. They’re going to put a small screw in it. And I wasn’t going for it getting any bigger.”

Her determination to recover and avoid future complications is clear, especially given the delicate nature of her injury. Reese acknowledged the difficulty of healing in that area due to the lack of blood flow, which made it harder for the wrist to recover on its own. She wisely opted for surgery to avoid the risk of ending her career prematurely.

Looking Ahead: Reese’s Future in the WNBA

With the 2025 WNBA season rapidly approaching, the news of Reese’s recovery is a huge relief for the Chicago Sky and their fanbase. She was one of the most exciting rookies in the league last season, and the team is undoubtedly eager to see her back on the court. As a dynamic player known for her scoring, vision, and versatility, Reese is poised to make a major impact on the team’s success this year.

Her absence was sorely felt last season, but with her return on the horizon, the Sky are looking forward to having their star player back in action. Reese’s combination of skill and determination has earned her a reputation as one of the league’s future stars, and if her recovery continues on this trajectory, she will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA.

A Star on the Rise

For Angel Reese, the road to recovery has not been easy, but her resilience and commitment to the game have never been in question. As one of the rising stars of women’s basketball, her determination to return stronger than before is a testament to her work ethic and passion for the sport. Whether she’s competing in Unrivaled or preparing for the WNBA season, Reese continues to inspire fans with her relentless drive to succeed.

With her hand injury seemingly behind her, Reese is set to rejoin the Chicago Sky and show the world what she is truly capable of. The WNBA season is just around the corner, and with Reese back at full strength, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever.

The Road to the WNBA Finals: What’s Next for Angel Reese?

The excitement surrounding Angel Reese’s return to the WNBA is palpable. As the 2025 season draws near, Reese’s recovery will be closely monitored, and her performance on the court will be highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. The Chicago Sky are counting on Reese to take their team to new heights, and with her undeniable talent, she is more than capable of leading them to success.

As she continues to work hard in preparation for the season, Reese is proving that she is not just a player—she’s a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s overcoming injury or stepping up to lead her team, Angel Reese’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and greatness. And with the 2025 WNBA season on the horizon, there’s no doubt that she will continue to shine on the court, bringing excitement to fans and further solidifying her place as one of the league’s brightest stars.