Angel Reese, the WNBA superstar and standout power forward for the Chicago Sky, has a new fan in Ariel Atkins. The new Sky signee was full of praise for her teammate, acknowledging her skills and experience on the court.
Atkins previously played with Reese in Unrivaled when she joined Rose BC as a relief player in February. However, they haven’t shared the court in the WNBA, and it seems Atkins wants to kick-start her career with the Sky on a positive note with Reese.
Ariel Atkins Praises Reese’s Basketball Skills
The former Washington Mystics star was part of the 2019 WNBA championship squad and has built a reputation as a top defender. Now, she’s ready to make an impact in Chicago, and teaming up with Reese is something she’s looking forward to.
“She doesn’t have a ceiling,” Atkins said, according to the Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe.
Ariel Atkins on Angel Reese: “She doesn’t have a ceiling.”
Praised her energy and competitive nature and said she’s enjoyed working with her in Unrivaled.
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe)
Atkins and Reese previously paired up in Unrivaled, the new 3v3 league launched by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Reese has been dominant in the league, leading all players with 12.3 rebounds per game. She also delivered standout performances against the Lunar Owls including a 22-point, 21-rebound game on Feb. 21—the first 20-20 game in Unrivaled history.
Sky Up for Major Roster Overhaul with Atkins Addition
Chicago had a lackluster WNBA season, finishing with a disappointing 13-27 record that kept them out of the playoffs. However, for the upcoming season, the Sky are determined to bounce back. The front office made several key moves, including signing Atkins in a major trade with the Mystics. The deal sent Chicago’s 2025 third overall draft pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and pick-swapping rights to Washington.
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has big hopes from Atkins and sees her as a key piece in the Sky’s roster.
“Ariel has made a tremendous impact on this league since her rookie year,” Pagliocca said. “She is an excellent role model for her teammates and an all-star caliber contributor. As one of the league’s top defensive specialists and a consistent scorer, she is a threat on both ends of the floor who will help us build a playoff-contending team in Chicago.”
Along with Atkins, Chicago added veterans Courtney Vandersloot and Kia Nurse to strengthen the roster. They also made coaching staff changes, replacing Teresa Weatherspoon with Tyler Marsh, who previously worked with the Las Vegas Aces during their back-to-back championship runs.
Atkins, a two-time WNBA All-Star, brings playoff experience to Chicago. She previously led Washington to five postseason appearances and is now ready to pair up with another WNBA great, Reese, to finally bring the title to Chicago.
