Angel Reese has once again become the center of debate regarding her on-court performance, particularly her struggles with finishing at the rim. Critics have long targeted this aspect of her game, especially after stats revealed last August that she was shooting just 45% from less than five feet and a poor 11% from 5–9 feet from the basket. Despite the criticism, Reese has always maintained her fiery confidence, but the conversation continues to resurface, particularly with her recent performances in the Unrivaled league.
The latest round of criticism was sparked by a video shared by NBA Centel, showcasing Reese during a game against the Mist. In the clip, the 22-year-old dribbled down the court but hesitated near the basket due to Breanna Stewart’s defense. Instead of taking the shot, Reese passed the ball. The post referred to her move as a “hesi” (hesitation move meant to fake out a defender), but fans were quick to dismiss it, calling it hesitation to shoot rather than a skilled play.
Fans flooded the comment section with critiques, with some likening Reese to NBA legend Dennis Rodman, but without offensive skills. Rodman, known for his dominance on the boards, led the NBA in rebounding for seven straight seasons during the 1990s. Reese’s rebounding ability draws similar praise, but critics argue she struggles to convert her rebounds into effective plays. Others compared her to Luke Kornet, suggesting her physicality and presence (standing at 6’3”) do not translate into consistent results.
ANGEL REESE WITH THE HESI. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/znLAG67TNY
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) January 26, 2025
Reese’s missed opportunities near the rim are a recurring topic. On opening night, her team, Rose BC, lost to Vinyl BC 79–73. Despite a solid double-double performance (10 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists), a clip of Reese missing two consecutive layups and falling to the floor went viral, drawing widespread mockery. More recently, during the win over the Mist (71–66), Reese’s contribution of six points, four rebounds, and one assist fell below expectations for a player of her stature, even though she continues to average 10 rebounds per game this season.
Critics have also questioned her work ethic, with some accusing her of not practicing enough, despite her posting offseason training videos where she worked on shooting and other areas of improvement. This perception has only fueled the ongoing scrutiny, as fans feel her efforts in the gym aren’t translating to game-time success.
The comparisons to Caitlin Clark, another standout player, also remain a source of contention. Clark, known for her offensive dominance, is often cited as a superior player, with Reese’s struggles providing more ammunition to those who argue she will never reach Clark’s level.
While Reese continues to face relentless criticism, her rebounding prowess remains undeniable. However, until she improves her offensive game, particularly her layup accuracy, the scrutiny is unlikely to fade. Fans seem divided on whether Reese is simply misunderstood and unfairly criticized or if she needs to elevate her game to silence the doubters.