Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko is confident that Angel Reese should be a strong candidate for a major WNBA honor. His praise came just before Reese scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Dream’s 106-81 win over her former team, the Chicago Sky.
In that game, Reese made history by becoming the first WNBA player to collect 500 rebounds in a single season. Her 2026 campaign could become even more memorable if award voters heed her coach’s recommendation.
Atlanta Dream Coach Says Angel Reese ‘Deserves’ WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
Smesko dismissed any doubt about Reese’s selection to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team, arguing the real question is whether she claims Defensive Player of the Year.
“That has to be a done deal, right? She’s definitely All-Defensive Team,” Smesko said during Saturday’s pre-game press conference. “The real discussion should be about the Defensive Player of the Year award. Based on advanced metrics, she has a compelling case and deserves it.
“We have several players who merit All-Defensive recognition. Rhyne Howard deserves to be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, and Jordin Canada belongs on the team.
“If you look closely at the stats, the impact players have, and how strong our defense performs when they are on the floor, hopefully all three will earn spots—and ideally someone wearing an Atlanta Dream jersey will win Defensive Player of the Year. Right now, Angel’s case is as strong as anyone’s.”
Last season, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson won the DPOY award for the third time, sharing it with Minnesota Lynx’s Alanna Smith. Wilson remains a top contender this year alongside Gabby Williams and Shakira Austin. However, Smesko insists Reese’s advanced defensive metrics set her apart. The Dream’s defensive rating is just above 100 when Reese plays, but jumps to over 115 when she is off the court.
Fan Take: This endorsement from Karl Smesko shines a deserved spotlight on Angel Reese’s defensive dominance, signaling a potential shift in recognition toward versatile defenders in the WNBA. For fans, it underscores the growing impact of advanced analytics and the rising stars reshaping the league’s competitive landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
