Kamilla Cardoso, the towering center acquired by the Chicago team in the off-season, has ignited controversy by refusing to relinquish her number 10 jersey to incoming star recruit Angel Reese. The news has sparked outrage among fans, creating an unexpected hurdle for both player and team.

Cardoso, a force in the paint, has worn number 10 throughout her collegiate career and has become synonymous with the number.

However, Reese, a highly decorated high school forward committed to the same number, has a national reputation built around it as well. Fans were excited about the prospect of Reese, considered a generational talent, continuing her legacy with the number 10 in Chicago.

The team’s official stance remains unclear. While some reports suggest they’ve approached Cardoso about a possible switch, others indicate a desire to avoid alienating either player. This has left fans frustrated, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment in Cardoso’s stance.

“It’s not about disrespecting Cardoso,” one fan wrote, “but Reese is the future of this franchise. The team needs to prioritize their star player.” Others voiced concerns about the impact on team chemistry.

“This is a bad look before the season even starts,” commented another fan. “We need these players to be on the same page, not fighting over a jersey number.”

Cardoso has yet to publicly address the situation. It remains to be seen if she’ll budge on the number, or if a compromise can be reached. The Chicago front office will be tasked with navigating this delicate situation to appease both players and fans, ensuring a smooth start to the upcoming season.