Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky were never meant to be. From a half-game ban to a perceived difference in ambition, this relationship was never going to have a happy ending -- and the Atlanta Dream are benefiting from the fallout. Reese is thriving in her new environment thanks to a simple adjustment the Sky could have made themselves. Atlanta's head coach, Karl Smesko, has simplified the forward's role, allowing her to focus on traits that make her effective.
While Reese struggled for efficiency in Chicago, her impressive performances were enough to attract a championship contender to acquire her services. Tyler Marsh and the Sky were stubborn in their vision for Reese. They required her to carry a burden she was not yet ready for instead of focusing on developing the attributes that would put her in All-Star contention.
Despite being an unstoppable rebounding force, Marsh placed the 24-year-old at the center of Chicago's tactical blueprint -- tasking her with scoring, defense, and most notably, playmaking. Over 30 games, Reese averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. While the versatile forward showed glimpses of being a capable ball facilitator, the enhanced responsibility limited her potential to be great.
Smesko has taken Reese back to basics
Karl Smesko has put the Atlanta Dream into championship contention, not only by manufacturing a cohesive game plan for his team to follow, but also by creating an environment in which each individual can thrive.
From the outside looking in, it appears that Angel Reese is benefiting the most from this culture. While her scoring and rebounding numbers are at a career low, her performance levels are improving, and most importantly, she is contributing to a winning team without exaggerated negative reports consistently leaking from the franchise.
Throughout the 2026 season, Reese has averaged 13.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.3 stocks per game. While the LSU graduate might not be the team’s primary offensive option, with Alisha Gray’s relentless scoring and Jordin Canada’s exceptional playmaking leading the way, her more defined role in the game plan has made her a key part of Atlanta’s future success.
Offensively, Smesko wants Reese to stretch the floor, hit the occasional 3-point shot, and become a consistent scorer under the basket; however, her main responsibility on this roster is to anchor Atlanta's defensive efforts and establish herself as an overwhelming presence on the boards.
Angel Reese has found a home with the Atlanta Dream. Under Karl Smesko, she has the potential not only to win a WNBA championship but also to take her game to an All-Star level and, maybe, one day, put herself into MVP conversations. If the Chicago Sky had been patient with the star's development and not placed the world on her shoulders, eventually, they could have reaped similar results.
Add us as a preferred source on Google