The Atlanta Dream is set to begin the WNBA season on Saturday night, and fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a stronger performance from Angel Reese than she showed during the team’s two preseason games, especially on the offensive side of the court.
The Dream acquired Reese from the Chicago Sky back in April, sending two first-round picks to Chicago in return for the league’s top rebounder.
Through her first two seasons in the WNBA, Reese has been the best and most consistent rebounder in the league, averaging 12.6 per game last season. She is the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12.0 rebounds per game in a season, doing it in both 2024 and 2025.
She has not just been dominant on the boards, however. She has also been a consistent scorer, averaging 14.1 points per game through the first two seasons of her career. Last season, she led the league in double-doubles with 23.
It’s safe to say the Dream expected that sort of consistent production from Reese when they traded for her before the season, with general manager Dan Padover calling her a “perfect fit” back in April.
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” Dream general manager Dan Padover said in a statement after the trade. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”
Through the first two preseason games with the team, however, that was not exactly the case. Reese struggled, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
In her preseason debut with the team, which came against her former team, the Chicago Sky, Reese scored 8 points and tallied 7 rebounds in a win, but she was far from efficient and showed concerning issues with her shooting form. Reese finished the game 2-for-7 from the field, including just 4-for-8 from the free-throw line.
On Sunday, Reese made her home debut in a preseason showdown with the Washington Mystics, where she struggled once again. In the loss, Reese scored just 10 points and had 4 rebounds while committing 2 turnovers and 3 personal fouls. She shot just 3-for-7 from the field in the game.
Needless to say, these two disappointing showings led to some strong criticism from fans on social media.
“Angel still shoots from they waist, this can’t be real but it is,” one fan posted on X.
“Why don’t her coaches teach her form and mechanics of shooting. She’s trying to do it Larry Bird style from the shoulder, but it is just awful,” another fan posted.
“She doesn’t jump or release high. It’ll stay this way until that changes,” one fan said, referring to her shots being blocked.
“She needs to start hitting middys her game is too predictable and when she goes to the paint she shows the defendant the ball enough for them to reject it,” another fan wrote.
The good news is that these were only preseason games, so there is a little more room for forgiveness. But it’s safe to say that fans will be expecting more from her when the regular season officially begins on Saturday night.
About Dave Kelsey
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