The Chicago Sky entered the 2024 WNBA season with high expectations. With a roster featuring two of the most anticipated rookies—Camila Cardoso and Angel Reese—fans hoped for a resurgence. But as May comes to a close, the Sky are floundering, with a four-game losing streak and team chemistry rapidly disintegrating. At the center of the storm is a growing disconnect between Reese and Cardoso, one that may already be undermining the entire season.

In a 94–89 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on May 27, the tension came to a head. The Sky squandered a double-digit lead and once again fell short in crunch time. But more notable than the loss itself was a series of moments between Cardoso and Reese that revealed a deeper fracture. When Cardoso hesitated to pass to Reese during a pivotal offensive possession and opted for another teammate instead, the message was clear: the trust was gone.

Cardoso has been a consistent force in the paint, rebounding aggressively and anchoring the defense. But Reese, who came into the league as a high-profile rookie, has struggled to translate her college dominance into pro success. Her offensive inefficiencies—missed layups, poor shot selection, and high turnover rates—are starting to wear thin on both fans and teammates.

Reese’s numbers tell part of the story. Shooting 0-for-8 from the field in the Mercury loss, she tied a WNBA record for most missed shots from within four feet in a single game over the past decade. That stat, alone, is jarring. But the real damage lies in how her style disrupts the team’s offensive flow. Ball movement stalls, spacing disappears, and possessions end with forced shots or turnovers.

Observers noted that even the pick-and-roll, a fundamental part of most modern offenses, has been abandoned when Reese is on the floor. Cardoso, who could thrive in these scenarios, seems reluctant to set screens, knowing the ball often won’t come back her way. The breakdown is both tactical and emotional. Body language speaks volumes—eye rolls, turned backs, and a visible lack of synergy all point to a duo that isn’t clicking.

Social media, once a major asset for Reese, is now turning against her. The very platforms that built her brand are filled with highlight clips of her struggles—missed layups, turnovers, and disengaged defense. The contrast between her social media presence and her on-court reality is becoming harder to ignore.

What’s even more concerning is the potential impact on locker room culture. Reese remains a central media figure for the Sky, often front and center in promotional materials and interviews. Yet, that image no longer matches her impact on the court. When a player prioritizes visibility over results, it creates resentment. Cardoso, who has kept a low profile while delivering consistent performances, seems to be losing patience.

Analysts are beginning to ask hard questions. Should the Sky bench Reese to shake things up? Should they restructure the offense entirely to minimize her weaknesses? Or is this a temporary growing pain that will pass once she adjusts to the WNBA pace?

There’s no denying Reese’s potential. Her hustle on the glass and defensive energy are real strengths. But she needs to refine her offensive game—improving decision-making, finishing at the rim, and passing under pressure. Until then, every missed layup and forced shot will feel like a momentum killer.

For Cardoso, the challenge is navigating this storm without getting pulled into it. Her instincts, basketball IQ, and positioning are elite for a rookie. If she continues to grow, she could be the cornerstone the Sky desperately need. But for that to happen, she must be given the ball in the right places—something increasingly difficult when Reese dominates possessions with inefficient outcomes.

The next few games will be crucial. The Sky must decide whether to double down on their current strategy or make bold changes. Angel Reese remains a headline, but unless she evolves, she risks becoming a liability instead of a leader.

Ultimately, the Sky’s hopes may hinge not just on talent but on trust. And right now, between Camila Cardoso and Angel Reese, that trust appears to be slipping away fast.