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Angel Reese: Why Atlanta is Her Championship Path
23 May
Summary
- Reese sought a championship contender due to past team frustrations.
- Coach Smesko transformed the Dream into a top Eastern Conference team.
- Reese excels at rebounding but struggles with offense and turnovers.
Angel Reese departed the Chicago Sky for the Atlanta Dream, driven by a desire for a WNBA championship and dissatisfaction with her previous team's roster depth and facilities. She stated her intention not to endure another losing season, seeking a winning environment.
Reese identified Atlanta as the most realistic path to a championship, citing the team's success under coach Karl Smesko. In his debut 2025 season, Smesko led the Dream to a 30-14 record, the best in franchise history, and set a record for most wins by a first-year head coach.
Beyond team success, Reese believes Smesko's player development will enhance her individual game. She also initiated contact with Atlanta's Allisha Gray during the offseason to gauge the fit.
Four games into her tenure, Reese has contributed to the Dream's 3-1 start. Her performance highlights elite rebounding, including a WNBA record for fastest 50 career double-doubles, averaging 12.7 rebounds per game. However, she has faced offensive and ball-handling challenges, with significant turnovers and inefficient shooting.
Despite early struggles, Reese showed improvement in her most recent game, scoring 15 points and 9 rebounds with sharper efficiency. Continued development could align her play with the team's championship aspirations.
