July 1, 2025 — Chicago, IL — In what may be the most surreal saga of the WNBA season, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese publicly lashed out this week after finishing outside the top ten in All‑Star voting—and, in her words, being “voted the worst player in the league.” The backlash has become a soap‑opera‑worthy spectacle, with social media erupting and fans scrambling to decipher whether Reese’s outburst is a sign of deep frustration or simply a dramatic bid for attention.
Reese’s anger boiled over following a recent home loss, in which she managed just nine points on one‑for‑one shooting and grabbed only two rebounds in 36 minutes. In a fiery clubhouse statement, she declared that twenty years from now, people would remember not just one name but hers, too. “The reason you’re watching the WNBA,” she proclaimed, “is not just because of one person—it’s because of me as well.”
That bold claim struck a nerve. Critics pounced on her inconsistent production—highlight reels marred by missed layups and shaky defense—arguing that “vibes” and Instagram fame cannot substitute for sustained on‑court excellence. Supporters countered that Reese’s impact goes beyond box‑score numbers, pointing to her relentless energy, branding savvy and ability to draw eyeballs (and ticket sales) whenever she takes the floor.
By midweek, the All‑Star voting results landed like a gut‑punch: despite her social‑media prominence and highlight‑reel potential, Reese placed 13th overall, missing the cut for the ten starters. The silence of the ballots only amplified the drama. In response, Reese posted a series of Instagram stories, accusing “the system” of overlooking her contributions and suggesting that mainstream media had conflated popularity with performance.
Yet even among her staunchest defenders, there’s agreement that the All‑Star nod must be earned. While Reese leads the league in rebounds, her shooting percentage sits near the bottom, and turnovers have climbed alarmingly. Fans pointed out that other veterans and rising stars have put up more consistent scoring, playmaking and defensive numbers—criteria traditionally rewarded in All‑Star selection.
The broader issue, many say, isn’t Reese’s personality or marketing prowess but her uneven play. A good example: in a recent game against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever (with Clark sidelined by injury), Reese eked out just four points on two-of-seven shooting, despite hauling in a dozen boards. In contrast, rookies and role players who sacrificed personal stats for team success found themselves in serious All‑Star conversations.
Reese’s rant tapped into a larger conversation about the WNBA’s evolving landscape. Caitlin Clark, for instance, has been widely celebrated for her record‑breaking rookie campaign without ever self‑appointing herself as the league’s raison d’être. LeBron James famously earned his “King” nickname from fans and media, not by proclaiming it himself. Reese’s critics argue that humility remains a hallmark of the greatest athletes—and that true greatness is reflected in relentless improvement and clutch performances, not just social‑media metrics.
Behind the scenes, sources suggest Chicago’s front office and coaching staff are weighing how to channel Reese’s passion into production. Head Coach Tyler Marsh publicly affirmed his belief in her talent, calling her “a future All‑Star when she finds consistency,” while urging her to channel her emotions into film study and extra shooting sessions.
For her part, Angel Reese insists she’s “just getting started.” She’s vowed to let her game speak for itself, promising better shot selection, improved free‑throw mechanics and a renewed focus on defense. “If I’m not in the All‑Star Game next year,” she told reporters, “I’ll earn it on the court.”
Whether Reese can transform this combustible moment into lasting growth remains to be seen. One thing is clear: in a league hungry for storylines, her journey from All‑Star snub to potential MVP contender may be the headline no one saw coming.
