The Atlanta Dream have a 4-1 record after acquiring Angel Reese. Reese is averaging 12.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season. She is also generating attention for the team.
Reese’s Shooting Woes Continue
Reese’s shooting numbers are still a problem. A breakdown on X highlighted that Reese has yet to make a single basket from beyond 5 feet. The statistics were confirmed via the WNBA’s official statistics page.
The shooting is a major issue for a 6-foot-4 forward. Her value is supposed to be built around production near the rim.
Positives Beyond Scoring
Reese rebounds and plays hard, especially in the fourth quarter. She gives Atlanta a physical presence. She also brings media and fan attention to the franchise.
The central problem remains that the ball has to go in the basket.
Offensive Concerns Since Rookie Season
The issue with Reese has existed since she entered the WNBA. She was shooting just 42% from the field despite 85% of her shot attempts coming inside eight feet during her rookie season. At the time, she was also making just 44% of her layups.
Superstar Expectations vs. Reality
Reese is a useful WNBA player who can help a team win if the role is right. The conversation has been about whether she’s a superstar.
A certain segment of WNBA media and fans badly want Reese discussed like she’s the second coming of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The better basketball comparison is Ben Wallace.
Wallace is a Hall of Fame player, an NBA champion, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and one of the great defensive players in basketball history. His value was defense, rebounding.
Through five games, there’s not much evidence that the offensive skill set has taken a major jump in her third season in the WNBA.