Candace Parker has questioned Angel Reese‘s approach to leadership following the Chicago Sky forward’s sharp criticism of her own franchise as the 23-year-old’s public comments have sparked a storm across the WNBA.
The issue began on September 3 when the forward was published voicing dissatisfaction with the Sky‘s roster and direction, as Reese hit out at the front office, suggesting recruitment has been poor.
“I’m not settling for the same s**t we did this year,” Reese said, as per the Chicago Tribune. “We have to get good players.
“We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.”
Reese went on to stress that she wanted to attract “the best of the best” to Chicago in the offseason, in a bid to turn around the team after a dismal .233 record saw them finish last in the WNBA Eastern Conference, unless they beat the defending champions, the New York Liberty, in their final game.
Those remarks were not well received inside the locker room, as according to Front Office Sports, several teammates intended to confront her over the statements, which they felt undermined both the coaching staff and the roster.
The organization responded by suspending their star player for the first half of the September 7 game against the Las Vegas Aces, labeling her conduct “detrimental” as their relationship showed signs of fracture.
Candace Parker reacts to the Angel Reese situation
Parker, who had her No. 3 jersey retired by the Sky in August, addressed the matter on her Post Moves podcast with the Indiana Fever center, Aliyah Boston, by drawing from her own career and experiences.
The three-time WNBA champion, two-time MVP, and one-time Finals MVP recalled a moment when her family made critical comments online after a game with the Los Angeles Sparks and how she handled it.
“After gaining perspective,” Parker said. “And a little more maturity, you realize how important it is that, first of all, your family is a mouthpiece for you.
“But secondly, in public, in front-facing things, you have to protect your team and your organization, no matter how you feel.
“I think the best advice I ever received is to keep things in house. You can yell, scream, cuss, all inside these walls, but you can’t bring it out. And once that happens, it’s hard to gain that trust back.”
Parker acknowledged Reese‘s public apology as a positive step but warned that rebuilding trust would be difficult as she implores the youngster to begin reconstructing burned bridges.
The fallout has fueled speculation that Reese‘s time in Chicago could be nearing its end. According to the Dallas Hoops Journal, multiple teams are expected to pursue a trade for the LSU alum this offseason.
Given her production, interest would be significant. Reese averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals this season, while leading the league in rebounding for the second consecutive year.
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