Angel Reese: A Rising Star Facing Growing Pains
“If you don’t have haters, you ain’t popping.” That phrase perfectly sums up the conversation surrounding Angel Reese right now. The Chicago Sky forward has been a game-changer with her physicality and rebounding dominance, but as the game evolves, so must she. And right now, there’s a glaring issue in her play that critics aren’t ignoring.
The Modern Game Demands More
Basketball has changed. Centers and forwards are now expected to stretch the floor with a three-point shot, and finishing efficiently around the rim is a must. Reese, known for her aggressive rebounding and defensive presence, has struggled with her scoring efficiency, shooting just 39% from the field in her rookie season.
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has taken notice and even offered Reese advice on her finishing. “The biggest advice I have for you is gonna be how you shoot your layups, period,” Leslie said on her podcast. “That’s fixable for you.” Reese took that guidance seriously, working with Leslie in the offseason.
A Step Forward, A Step Back
Fans saw glimpses of improvement, especially in Reese’s 20-20 performance in the Unrivaled game. But in a recent matchup against Vinyl BC, her weaknesses resurfaced. Despite putting up 10 points and 13 rebounds in a dominant 74-46 win, her struggles around the rim drew attention. Clumsy footwork and missed layups left fans questioning whether her offseason work had truly paid off.
Social Media Reacts—And It’s Not Pretty
Clips of Reese’s missed opportunities under the basket quickly spread on social media, with fans and critics alike voicing their frustrations. Some questioned what she worked on during the summer, while others lamented that even Lisa Leslie’s guidance hadn’t made an impact.
A particularly blunt comment summed up the frustration: “If a LEGEND like Lisa Leslie can’t teach her, then she can’t be taught.”
Others pointed to a lack of athleticism as a major hurdle, arguing that her coordination and touch around the rim simply aren’t at a pro level yet. “She has the body for it, but she lacks a bit of coordination,” one fan noted. Another pleaded, “Someone show her the Mikan drill, for the love of God.”
What’s Next for Reese?
Despite the backlash, Reese remains a key player. A bad game doesn’t erase the work she’s put in, and she’ll have a chance to prove herself in the upcoming semifinal matchup against the Laces on March 16.
The question now: Can Reese take another step forward and silence the critics, or will her struggles continue to overshadow her potential? One thing’s for sure—she’ll have plenty of eyes on her next performance.