The hype was massive. The headlines were everywhere. But now, over a month into her rookie season, it’s time for a reality check:
Angel Reese has made little to no progress — and that’s a serious problem.

After dominating college basketball at LSU and entering the WNBA with a sky-high profile, Reese was expected to be a double-double machine, a physical force, and a rising star. Instead, she’s struggled on both ends of the court — and the numbers back it up.

Efficiency? Alarming.

Reese is shooting below 38% from the field, including a shocking 31% on layups, which ranks among the worst in the entire WNBA. For a player who thrives around the rim, that’s not just bad — it’s unacceptable.

Defense? Exposed.

Despite her energy and effort, Reese has frequently been caught out of position, struggling to contain quicker forwards and lacking the footwork to defend in space. Teams are already targeting her in pick-and-roll actions.

Development? Stagnant.

The scariest part? There’s been no clear improvement in her decision-making, shot selection, or composure under pressure. While other rookies — like Caitlin Clark and Rickea Jackson — are showing signs of adaptation, Reese looks stuck in place, relying on hustle and rebounds instead of evolving her game.

Why This Is BAD:

Media Pressure: With so much spotlight and fanfare, expectations are higher than ever — and the backlash will be brutal if she doesn’t turn it around.

Team Impact: The Chicago Sky need more than rebounding from Reese. They need scoring, spacing, and smart defense — and right now, they’re not getting it.

WNBA Growth: Reese was supposed to be one of the league’s new faces. If she flames out, it affects more than just the standings — it impacts momentum for the league’s youth movement.

It’s Not Too Late… But It’s Close.

The good news? It’s still early in the season, and Reese has time to adjust. But if she doesn’t start showing signs of growth soon — smarter finishes, better positioning, real impact beyond the box score — the narrative could shift from “The Bayou Barbie” to “The Bust of 2025.”

And that would be a disaster — not just for Angel Reese, but for everything she represents.