Angel Reese’s trade to the Atlanta Dream was undoubtedly the move of the offseason. The Chicago Sky doubled down on their Kamilla Cardoso vision, while Reese secured her move to a team primed to contend for a championship immediately. However, as her performance against the Washington Mystics showed, Reese shouldn’t be rushed into a primary offensive role just because fans clamor for it. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard should continue to lead Atlanta’s attack.
During her time in Chicago, Reese showcased her versatile skill set off and on the ball, while establishing herself as one of the league's most dominant rebounders -- averaging 12.9 per game for her career so far. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old has proven she still has attributes to develop before reaching superstar status. Most notably, her efficiency and shot selection.
The young star has made it clear she aspires to be the best in everything she pursues -- not just in basketball, but across the business world as well. That ruthless mentality has earned Reese a place on a championship-contending franchise, but it doesn’t mean she should be forced into a role she isn’t ready for.
Reese's inefficiency has crept in during preseason
While the WNBA is still in its preseason stage, the frantic pace of each fixture resembles a postseason matchup. This was evident as Angel Reese locked horns with Washington's Kiki Iriafen in a physical battle, which neither player appeared ready to back down from. While Reese performed valiantly on the boards and on defensive actions, she still had trouble finishing opportunities around the rim.
During the Dream's 83-72 defeat to the Mystics, Reese recorded 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals. At first glance, this is an impressive stat line, especially considering it was registered in just 11 minutes of play. However, the versatile forward shot just 42.9% from seven field-goal attempts.
Several conclusions could be drawn from these numbers. First and foremost, considering none of the shots were from three-point range, Reese must improve on finishing her chances in the paint if Atlanta is to advance to the next level. Secondly, with Karl Smesko opting to let Angel Reese take seven shots in just 11 minutes, it suggests she will be utilised as a high-priority offensive option on this roster.
It’s not as if this is the first indication Karl Smesko has given about Angel Reese leading the offense; in her season debut, she logged the same number of shot attempts (7), this time in 13 minutes. Once again, Reese converted just two of those field-goal attempts.
With Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray averaging 17.5 and 18.4 points per game, respectively, throughout the 2025 WNBA season, Smesko has the chance to transition Reese into the offensive powerhouse that he envisages slowly. The former LSU star already receives a high level of attention due to her stature in the game; it would be foolish to force her into a role she is not ready for.
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