If Angel Reese thought she could coast into the WNBA on charisma, hype, and Instagram followers alone, she may want to think again. The rookie forward for the Chicago Sky is under intense fire after another disappointing on-court performance — and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is leading the charge with one brutal message:
“This is not college anymore.”
The criticism, pointed and unapologetic, follows Reese’s most recent outing in which she scored just four points, further feeding a growing narrative that her transition from college stardom to the professional ranks has been anything but seamless. And the heat isn’t just about numbers — it’s about the growing gap between expectations and reality, flash and substance.
“She got compared to Michael Jordan this week,” Smith fumed on First Take. “Let me repeat that — Michael Jordan. Meanwhile, she’s putting up stats that wouldn’t fly at the high school level for a top-tier recruit.”
From Bayou Barbie to Benched?
Reese, known for her flamboyant style, bold trash talk, and unapologetic confidence, was one of the most talked-about figures in women’s college basketball during her time at LSU. Her battles with Caitlin Clark drew record TV ratings. Her social media presence ballooned. She secured major NIL deals and was dubbed a marketing dream.
But that dream is starting to fade.
Through her first weeks in the WNBA, Reese’s numbers have been modest at best. While her rebounding and defensive hustle earn her credit, her offensive production — or lack thereof — is raising eyebrows.
More concerning, however, is the attitude. Reese hasn’t shied away from calling herself “the face of the league” or embracing comparisons to all-time greats. Earlier this month, an LSU-themed Nike ad aired featuring a voiceover comparing her swagger to that of Jordan himself.
Smith’s response?
“Swagger doesn’t win championships. Jump shots do.”
Caitlin Clark: The Inescapable Comparison
Reese’s struggles are further amplified by the meteoric rise of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark — her on-court nemesis turned professional measuring stick.
While Clark is currently recovering from a minor injury, her presence continues to be felt league-wide. Her triple-doubles, logo threes, and electric playmaking have transformed not just the Fever but the entire WNBA. Ticket sales skyrocket when Clark is scheduled to appear. Viewership spikes. Sponsorships pour in.
And then there’s Reese — scoring four points while cameras pan to her frustrated expression on the bench.
“It’s not a rivalry if one side keeps winning,” quipped sports columnist Clay Travis. “Right now, Reese is all talk. Clark is all talent.”
The Accountability Gap
What has conservative commentators and sports analysts alike increasingly frustrated is not just Reese’s low output — it’s the lack of humility.
“The WNBA is not a TikTok highlight reel,” said former NBA coach Byron Scott. “You’ve got to bring it. Every night. Period. And right now, Reese looks like she’s in over her head.”
The numbers are difficult to defend: averaging single digits in points, shooting under 40%, and struggling to create shots against seasoned defenders. Yet the media machine surrounding Reese continues to present her as a “superstar in the making.”
Stephen A. Smith wasn’t buying it.
“You can’t walk into this league talking about how you’re the next big thing and then act surprised when people call you out for four-point nights,” he said. “This league is about results. If you’re going to talk like Kobe, you better play like Kobe.”
Off the Court, More Controversy
The pressure on Reese hasn’t been limited to game stats. After a heated moment on the court involving an apparent shove, Reese was allegedly the target of racist messages online. The WNBA responded quickly, launching an investigation and reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on fan harassment.
But while the league seeks to protect its players from bigotry, that shield doesn’t — and shouldn’t — extend to performance criticism. That’s where many believe Reese is blurring the lines.
“She’s trying to use race as a deflection from criticism,” said Fox Sports analyst Jason Whitlock. “Let’s be clear — no one is attacking Angel Reese because of her skin color. They’re calling her out because she’s not playing well. Period.”
It’s a familiar dynamic in the world of sports: criticism is conflated with oppression, and the media becomes the enemy. But when the dust settles, the scoreboard doesn’t lie.
The Coach’s Challenge
Sky head coach Tyler Marsh now finds himself in a tough position: how to keep the team competitive while giving his rookie time to develop.
Reese is a high-energy player. She crashes the glass, talks nonstop, and brings passion to every play. But in a league of seasoned professionals, that only goes so far. Marsh has praised her hustle and attitude, but he also knows that results matter.
“There’s a lot of pressure on young players coming into this league,” Marsh told reporters after the Sky’s loss. “We’re working on her game. We believe in her.”
That belief may be real — but it comes at a cost. With every underwhelming performance, fan patience thins. Analysts grow sharper. And comparisons to Clark grow louder.
The Clock Is Ticking
If Reese wants to silence her critics — including Smith — she’s going to need more than catchphrases and camera time.
“She has to decide,” Smith concluded. “Do you want to be a brand or a baller? Because right now, it looks like she’s choosing the former. And this league doesn’t have room for that.”
In a world where attention spans are short and narratives shift daily, Reese’s window to prove herself is shrinking. The WNBA is a business. And business is about value. Right now, Clark is delivering. Reese isn’t.
What Reese does next — how she adjusts, improves, and responds — will determine whether she becomes the dominant figure she’s long claimed to be, or a cautionary tale about hype without substance.
