Being different has always been celebrated, until that difference belonged to Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese. She’s been under the media’s microscope since college, yet despite everything that people claim she isn’t, she is still so much more than what she’s given credit for.
Reese has constantly found success at every stage of her basketball career. This year with The Dream, that statement holds true once again.
The 6-foot-4 forward has led the charge, averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds, while being the defensive anchor for Atlanta. The culture, atmosphere, and bright lights are all things that Reese has embraced. Through everything she’s given to the basketball community, there’s still a disconnect between her and some basketball fans.
Reese isn’t the flashiest player by today’s terms. She won’t shoot logo three-pointers or heave full-court behind-the-back passes, but she plays her own brand of winning basketball. That’s all a team can ask for from its franchise player.
This season, Reese set the record for the most double-doubles in a season, the most rebounds in a single season, and the most rebounds in a single game. Not to mention she’s fresh off winning gold at the FIBA World Cup.
It’s hard to believe that somebody with a resume of Reese’s caliber isn’t getting the love she rightfully deserves in the media. Her entire body of work in only three WNBA seasons makes it easy to tell she’ll be a future award winner. If people spent as much time appreciating Reese instead of critiquing her, they would see the greatness she possesses.
Angel Reese Has Earned Her Place Among The Stars
Although she is often compared to her 2024 WNBA Draft counterparts, Chicago Sky Center Kamilla Cardoso and Los Angeles Sparks Forward Cameron Brink, it’s not outlandish to state that Reese has surpassed them in the W. Still, there’s nobody Reese is mentioned alongside more than Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
It makes sense. Clark and Reese stole the attention of the basketball world during the 2023 NCAAW National Championship, in LSU and Reese’s 102-85 victory over Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. The controversy surrounding that game sparked what would become one of the biggest women’s basketball rivalries in recent memory.
There’s nothing wrong with a rivalry, and there’s nothing wrong with friendly banter. The problem is the discourse surrounding the two players.
When Clark shows her energy on court, she’s depicted as passionate. When Reese shows that same tenacity, she’s perceived as classless. It’s these distasteful remarks that have played into the ATL Barbie owning the “villain” role.
It’s time to cease with the comparisons and simply enjoy the positive product being displayed in front of all the new eyes on the W.
As the WNBA playoffs ensue, hopefully the fans of basketball enjoy all that Reese has to offer. She’s a dynamic player who is dominating in her own way.
While many believe she plays an unconventional style of basketball, others could argue that it’s exactly what the Dream needs.
Reese isn’t liked because she’s unapologetically herself, and she’s not afraid to stand on her ten toes. Liking her isn’t a must, but respecting her game is. She is a superstar, and it’s time for WNBA fans and basketball fans alike to accept that.
