Key Highlights
- Angel Reese continues to dominate with rebounds and attention for Atlanta Dream but struggles offensively.
- Reese’s shooting percentage remains poor, with no baskets from beyond 5 feet this season.
- Her offensive limitations are compared to those of Ben Wallace, a defensive specialist.
- The WNBA has acknowledged her recent performance but overlooks the context of her shooting issues.
Angel Reese’s Double-Double Dilemma
Angel Reese is back in Atlanta and making waves. The acquisition from Chicago was supposed to be a game-changer, but so far, the results are mixed. She’s averaging double-doubles, grabbing rebounds, and generating media attention. But when it comes to scoring, Angel is still stuck on a pedestal.
Rebounds and Attention
The Atlanta Dream have started strong this season, and Reese has been central to their success. She’s averaging 12.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Her double-doubles keep coming, but the shooting stats are a different story. A viral breakdown on social media highlighted that she’s yet to make a basket from beyond 5 feet this season.
Offensive Limitations
Reese entered the WNBA with high expectations, but her offensive game has remained an issue. Back in her rookie year, she was shooting just 42% from the field despite most of her shots coming inside eight feet. That’s not ideal for a player whose value is supposed to be built around production near the rim. Her recent performance hasn’t changed much; she’s still making fewer than half of her shots within five feet.
Comparison to Ben Wallace
While Reese excels at rebounding and playing hard, these skills alone aren’t enough to make her a superstar. The comparison to defensive specialist Ben Wallace is apt. Wallace was an elite rim protector who averaged two blocks per game for his career. Reese averages 0.6 blocks but takes nearly twice as many shots per game (10.8 this season and 11.7 in her WNBA career) compared to Wallace’s career average of 5.0 field-goal attempts.
Efficiency and Turnovers
Reese isn’t just struggling with shooting; she also averages three turnovers per game, a figure that has worsened to 4.8 this season. Her shot chart doesn’t lie: nearly one out of every five shots is blocked, which is alarming for a player her size. The context matters here; while her rebounds and attention are valuable, the efficiency needs improvement.
Media Context
The media often overlooks Reese’s shooting issues in favor of highlighting her double-doubles and defensive presence. A recent tweet from the WNBA praised her performance but neglected to mention the shooting woes. The focus on her as a potential offensive star is misplaced; she’s better seen as a valuable rotation player rather than an offensive powerhouse.
The Bottom Line
Angel Reese brings plenty of value to Atlanta, but her offensive limitations are clear. While she continues to dominate with rebounds and media attention, the efficiency has yet to improve. Until that changes, the conversation around her should reflect reality, not hype.