The sports world has been buzzing after Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed “Bayou Barbie,” found herself at the center of a storm of criticism following her performance in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league. Despite her celebrated status as a WNBA player, fans and experts alike are raising serious doubts about her skill level, especially after her recent, bewildering actions during the championship games.

At the heart of the controversy is Reese’s glaring inability to finish at the rim, something even high school players have mastered. A video recently went viral of Reese passing up an open layup in favor of handing the ball to a teammate, despite having no defenders in front of her. Critics quickly pointed out this moment as a clear example of her lack of confidence in her own abilities.

Reese’s struggles around the basket have been apparent all season. Her technique remains unpolished, with a shooting form that fluctuates wildly, making it difficult for her to finish simple plays that should be second nature to a professional athlete. This isn’t just a small flaw—Reese’s fundamental basketball skills are so inconsistent that even casual fans are noticing the glaring weaknesses in her game.

Her rebounding, often touted as her greatest strength, has also been questioned. While Reese does pull down an impressive 13 rebounds per game, many are beginning to suspect that these numbers are inflated by her own missed shots. Is this really a sign of elite rebounding skills, or is she simply stat-padding through inefficiency?

Even more concerning is how Reese’s actions during the Unrivaled tournament have raised eyebrows. Despite her team, Team Rose, winning the championship, Reese was nowhere to be found. She missed the final two games of the tournament due to a wrist injury, yet somehow still managed to FaceTime into the celebration, as if her presence somehow contributed to the victory. After the win, Reese took to Instagram to ask, “What y’all going to say now?” as if she deserved credit for a championship she didn’t participate in.

Social Media Over Basketball

It’s not just her on-court performance that’s drawing criticism, but her off-court priorities as well. Angel Reese has been more focused on building her personal brand, posting nearly as much on social media as she does playing basketball. Critics have pointed out that while she may be getting a lot of attention online, her performance on the court has failed to match the hype.

This was made painfully clear when comparing her to other rising stars in the league, like Caitlyn Clark. While Clark has dominated the WNBA with her polished skills and unwavering commitment to the game, Reese has often appeared distracted by everything but basketball. While Clark spends hours before and after practice refining her skills, Reese is more often found promoting products and keeping up with her social media following. Her lack of attention to the game is stark in comparison to Clark’s focus on mastering every facet of her craft.

When it comes to the numbers, it’s clear that Reese is struggling. Despite being heralded as a dominant force in the WNBA, her field goal percentage in the paint is abysmal, and her offensive rating ranks among the lowest for starting forwards. On the other hand, Caitlyn Clark has impressed across the board, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in her first professional season. Her shooting form is textbook, and her ability to read the game and make plays for her teammates is beyond impressive.

While Reese has shown flashes of potential, the difference in their commitment and skill level is undeniable. Clark’s elite basketball IQ and dedication to her craft set her apart as a future star, while Reese’s focus on personal branding over her actual performance continues to raise eyebrows.

The Debate: Is Angel Reese the Worst Player in WNBA History?

While calling Angel Reese the “worst player” in WNBA history might be an exaggeration, there’s no denying that her skill level is a far cry from what fans and analysts expected. In a league that demands mastery of the fundamentals, Reese has continually fallen short in key areas like finishing around the basket and making smart decisions with the ball.

The question now is whether Reese can rise to the occasion, refine her game, and make a true impact on the WNBA, or if she will continue to rely on her brand and social media following to stay relevant. As of now, it seems that Reese’s path to stardom is more about off-court fame than her on-court talent.

For real basketball fans, it’s frustrating to watch how Reese’s media presence continues to overshadow her actual performance. As the WNBA season progresses, it remains to be seen if Angel Reese can prove her critics wrong or if her lack of commitment to her game will ultimately hold her back from becoming a true star in women’s basketball.

The latest controversy surrounding Angel Reese highlights a significant gap between media attention and actual basketball performance. While Reese enjoys the spotlight for her personality and social media savvy, her on-court play is far from the elite level expected of a professional basketball player. Whether she can adjust her focus, hone her skills, and contribute to her team’s success will determine if her career in the WNBA is built on more than just Instagram posts and sponsorship deals.

At the end of the day, basketball is about dedication, skill, and teamwork. It’s time for Angel Reese to prove she has more than just social media savvy to offer the game.