As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, high expectations surround two of the league’s most exciting stars: Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese.
Both players enter the professional arena with impressive college pedigrees-Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings and Reese as a player of growing importance for the Chicago Sky.
However, analysts suggest that despite their potential, both may face challenging seasons.
National analyst Rachel DeMita, featured on Courtside, highlights the uncertainty surrounding both teams. She notes that while the Wings and Sky possess considerable talent, they also have numerous “moving parts” this season, including roster overhauls, star exits, and the integration of rookies with high expectations.
This combination of factors could result in both teams floating around the playoff bubble throughout the season.
Dallas Wings: Relying on Bueckers’ Transition
The Dallas Wings have undergone significant changes, including the addition of Bueckers. While Bueckers’ college accolades are noteworthy, the transition to the professional level presents challenges.
Analysts express concern about the team’s ability to gel cohesively, especially after the departure of key players like Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard. Bueckers‘ performance will be pivotal, but the team’s overall cohesion remains uncertain.
Chicago Sky: Rebuilding with Reese
The Chicago Sky are also in a rebuilding phase, marked by the return of veteran Courtney Vandersloot and the introduction of new head coach Tyler Marsh.
While Reese brings promise, the team faces challenges in replacing the production lost with the departure of Chennedy Carter. The continued integration of Reese into the team’s system, combined with the need to establish team chemistry, could lead to growing pains during the season.
While both Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese possess the talent to succeed in the WNBA, the surrounding circumstances for their respective teams suggest that their upcoming seasons may be more challenging than anticipated.
Analysts caution that despite the excitement, both the Wings and Sky may struggle to meet the high expectations set for them, potentially leading to a tough season ahead.
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