Angel Reese's transition from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream has been so fluid that it can, at times, feel like she's always been part of the team. Reese has had the room to shine as a rebounder, but also as a defensive presence who the Dream can count on time and time again.
There's been plenty of commentary on Reese's shooting for most of her career. She's expressed interest in honing that part of her skillset, and previously worked with Lisa Leslie on her shot during the first season of Unrivaled. The Dream's head coach Karl Smesko has also noted that Reese has made it clear she wants to improve as a shooter, and it sounds like he has ever reason to believe that she will.
While speaking to reporters after the Dream's 91-75 win over the Connecticut Sun — a game that saw Reese land a corner three and sail by her 1000th career point — Smesko said working on her outside shot would remain a goal in practice and in games.
Karl Smesko says Angel Reese is ready to work
Reese is "open to kind of changing her shot," Smesko said, something he added the team has seen in practice and in games. Smesko also noted that in practice Reese has sometimes hit three or four three-pointers in a row, but hasn't yet replicated that feat in games. But, he also said, as she gets more comfortable shooting (and hitting) threes, it' something everyone will see a lot more of.
If Reese successfully adds consistent three point shooting to her grab bag of skills, she'll become even more formidable on the floor. She'd be not only capable of grabbing offensive rebounds and setting up her teammates for their own three point shots, she'd be actively creating moments for herself. The Dream is already off to a strong start this season (the team is currently ranked second in the league and has a 6-2 record), and that kind of consistent shooting from Reese would also enhance what's already proving to be a strong roster.
Reese could get a chance to show off new three point shooting sklls as early as Thursday afternoon, when the Dream travels to Indianapolis and plays the Indiana Fever. The Dream will be meeting a Fever that's been a bit tumultuous this season, and that has admitted they're struggling defensively — something Atlanta will likely look to exploit.
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