Although Angel Reese could have opted to play through her injury, medical professionals cautioned that such a decision might entail serious risks.

This prompted one of the standout rookies from the 2024 draft to choose surgery instead.

Reese, selected as the No. 7 pick by the Chicago Sky, has been dominating the league with an impressive average of 13.1 rebounds per game. On Sunday, she announced that she would be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

The issue stems from a hairline fracture in her left wrist that, if left untreated, could result in a complete fracture.

When asked about Reese’s injury before a crucial game against Dallas, Chicago coach Teresa Weatherspoon was noncommittal. Although Reese didn’t speak to the media before or after the Sky’s 92-77 victory—during which she supported her teammates from the bench—she later provided updates through social media.

The injury occurred on Friday, September 6, during a game against the Sparks, where she fell hard following an and-one play. Reese informed fans that her injury was manageable enough that doctors offered her the chance to continue playing, but they warned her that this could lead to early-onset arthritis, which she deemed “not an option.” There was also a risk that the fracture could worsen quickly.

Realizing the risks, Reese made a decision to prioritize her health.

“I want to have a long career in the league,” she shared. “I plan to play basketball for a long time.”

Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, where doctors will insert a screw into her wrist bone. Following the operation, she will wear a hard cast for four weeks, transitioning to a softer, removable cast for the subsequent two weeks. During her rehabilitation, Reese plans to engage in various activities such as “lifting, running, conditioning, shooting with my off hand, dribbling with my off hand, working on my nutrition.” She humorously noted that she would also continue to “model, podcast, and be fabulous.”

She intends to cheer on her teammates as they strive for the eighth and final playoff position. The Sky’s recent victory against Dallas—performed commendably even without Reese’s contributions—eliminated the Wings from playoff contention. Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington are now vying for the final playoff spot. The Sky (13-22) are set to play against Washington (11-24) on Wednesday.

Over the course of her impressive rookie season, Reese not only led the league in rebounds but also averaged 13.6 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. She broke the record for most rebounds in a single season, totaling 446. This remarkable performance bolsters her case for the Rookie of the Year award, although Caitlin Clark is favored to win the title. Reese additionally set a new record for consecutive double-doubles with 15 and made her mark as a 2024 All-Star, achieving a double-double in the All-Star Game where Team WNBA triumphed over the 2024 Olympic roster.

In a recent social media post, Reese reflected on her rookie year, stating she “did amazing” but still felt the desire for more. Nevertheless, she expressed positivity, stating, “God’s timing is better than my timing, which keeps my spirits high. I’ve faced challenges like this before.”

She characterized her wrist injury as a “minor setback” that will set the stage for a “major comeback” in the upcoming season.

Credit to Lindsay Schnell and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell