Angel Reese may be one of the most talked-about rookies in the WNBA, but a shocking statistic is turning heads for all the wrong reasons: she’s shooting just 31% on layups — the worst mark in the entire league.

Known for her rebounding tenacity and fiery competitiveness, Reese has been a focal point for the Chicago Sky this season. But when it comes to finishing around the rim, the numbers don’t lie — and they’re ugly. While most bigs in the WNBA convert layups at a clip of 55–65%, Reese is hovering well below the league average, and her inefficiency is starting to raise serious concerns.

Analysts have begun dissecting the problem: rushed footwork, forced shots through double teams, and a lack of vertical explosion against pro-level defenders. Despite her strength in crashing the boards and drawing contact, her inability to consistently finish at the rim is limiting her overall offensive impact.

“She’s getting to the right spots, but the touch just isn’t there right now,” one WNBA scout noted. “It’s something she can fix — but it needs to happen fast.”
The struggles are particularly glaring given the expectations surrounding Reese, who entered the league with massive media attention and NIL-fueled star power. Paired with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark in one of the most hyped draft classes in years, Reese has embraced her villain role — but poor finishing efficiency could be a major weakness teams look to exploit.
To her credit, Reese remains confident. “I’m adjusting,” she told reporters. “This league is tough, but I belong here. I just need to finish stronger and smarter.”
The good news? It’s still early. Reese is only a few weeks into her rookie campaign, and plenty of great players have struggled with efficiency in their first year. But if the Sky are going to climb the standings — and if Reese is going to live up to the All-Star expectations — she’ll need to clean up the easy looks… and fast.
Until then, the stat speaks for itself: 31% on layups — worst in the WNBA.
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