Chicago Sky players at the Wintrust Arena (Photo via Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)
The Chicago Sky aren’t doing a lot of winning in Angel Reese’s second season, and her teammate has opted to step away.

Kamilla Cardoso, who hails from Brazil, has left the team to represent her country in the upcoming FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. The competition runs from June 28 to early July, and she should miss at least two weeks, possibly four, depending on how far Brazil goes.

The center has made the decision knowing she can’t be cut. And, while she can be traded, her status as a No. 3 overall pick gives her some clout.

According to reports, Cardoso didn’t feel any pressure not to go, but there are also reports claiming that there’s underlying tension between teams and players across the league. Some international players have expressed fears of being benched or traded for leaving in the middle of the season.

Julie Vanloo, a Golden State Valkyries point guard from Belgium, claimed that teams were “not very keen” on having players leave. Both she and Cardoso have stepped away anyway.

Is Kamilla Cardoso Underutilized?

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, it’s understood that there is some frustration over Cardoso’s usage. While she averages 11.6 points and 6.6 rebounds a game, the Brazilian is being underutilized, with fans criticizing head coach Tyler March for benching her during key stretches.

Kamilla Cardoso is limited on a losing team and has had to watch as Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins take as many as four times more shots.

While there’s no documented feud between the player and the team, tension is thought to exist, especially because Cardoso has chosen to step away while the 3-10 Chicago is struggling.