Dawn Staley received some pushback from fans of Angel Reese on social media over her past comments on the forward’s departure from Chicago. Reese was traded by the Sky to the Atlanta Dream in April. At the time, Staley said the trade would allow Kamilla Cardoso to flourish with the Sky.
‘‘I think this year is probably going to be a great year for her, statistically speaking, as well as comfort,” Staley told the Chicago Sun-Times in April. “And the fact that Angel isn’t on the roster. I’m not saying that in a bad way; it just leaves more opportunity for Kamilla to spread her wings. She can be more of a focal point.’’
Without Reese in the lineup, Cardoso had a great performance in the season opener for Chicago, putting up 22 points, shooting 8 of 15, with 14 rebounds, and one assist. However, the last two outings haven’t gone so well.
Cardoso had seven points, shooting 2 of 6 from the floor, along with eight rebounds, one assist, and two turnovers against the Phoenix Mercury. This was enough for fans to bring back Staley’s comment.
“’With Angel out of the team, Kamilla has a chance to spread her wings’ Dawn Staley 2026,” a fan posted with Cardoso’s numbers.
The 91-83 loss against the Mercury was Chicago’s first of the season.
Dawn Staley Wants Kamilla Cardoso to Take Control
Kamilla Cardoso played for Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks from 2021 to 2024 and was picked third overall by the Sky.
Staley has worked closely with Cardoso for years, and she probably knows her game better than anyone else. She said that Cardoso thrives in situations when she has full control.
“If you’re gonna give her the keys to the car only on the weekends, I don’t think that’s Kamilla’s style. I think it’s more [that] she wants to get in the car and drive it every day,” she said in April after Angel Reese’s trade.
We’re too early into the season to assume whether Cardoso will be able to make the most of this opportunity. But there’s no denying that she has the potential to put the league on notice.
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