The transition from collegiate stardom to the professional ranks is rarely seamless, and for a player as high-profile as Angel Reese, every move, every shot, and every statistic is magnified under an intense public and media spotlight.

Drafted 7th overall by the Chicago Sky, Reese entered the WNBA carrying not just the weight of her NCAA championship success with LSU, but also a persona and brand that made her one of the most recognizable faces in a heralded rookie class.

However, the early stages of her professional career have been marked by a narrative focusing intensely on her offensive efficiency, particularly her shooting, leading to harsh critiques and, according to some reports and interpretations, visible frustration from the young star.

The claim that Angel Reese has been “declared the worst shooter in WNBA history” is a stark and provocative one, likely fueled by a combination of statistical analysis and the often-unforgiving nature of sports discourse, especially online.

While determining the “worst ever” is statistically complex and arguably unfair so early in a career, it’s undeniable that Reese’s shooting percentages have been a point of concern.

Her field goal percentage, particularly from outside the paint, and her free-throw shooting have lagged behind league averages and, in some instances, have been among the lowest for players with a significant number of attempts.

It’s crucial, however, to contextualize these numbers. Reese is a rookie, adjusting to a faster, more physical game with different defensive schemes than she faced in college.

The WNBA is a league of elite athletes, and finding efficient scoring, especially for a player whose primary strengths lie elsewhere, takes time and development.

Attaching a “worst in history” label after only a handful of games is hyperbolic and overlooks the potential for growth and adjustment.

Reports and observations of Reese appearing emotional or frustrated on the court or in press conferences have been interpreted by some as “crying and panicking.”

While the internal experience of an athlete is complex, attributing these displays solely to shooting statistics might be an oversimplification.

The pressure on this year’s WNBA rookie class is unprecedented. Players like Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Cameron Brink entered the league with massive followings and expectations, facing a level of media scrutiny previously unseen in the women’s game. Reese, known for her passionate and intense style of play, wears her emotions openly.

What might be interpreted as panic could equally be frustration with a missed shot, a tough loss, or the overall weight of expectation. Adjusting to the professional level involves not just physical and tactical changes but significant mental and emotional adaptation.

The pressure to perform, the constant analysis, and the high stakes of professional sports can be overwhelming, especially for a young player still finding her footing.

It’s essential to remember what Angel Reese brings to the Chicago Sky, which extends far beyond her shooting percentages. She was drafted for her tenacity, her elite rebounding, her defensive presence, and her ability to impact the game with energy and physicality.

In her early games, she has already shown flashes of brilliance in these areas, particularly on the boards, where her relentless pursuit of the ball mirrors the dominance she displayed in college.

Rebounding is a skill that translates well and is highly valued, providing second-chance opportunities on offense and limiting opponents on defense. Her defensive versatility and willingness to battle in the paint are also assets.

The Sky likely knew they weren’t drafting a primary scorer or a sharpshooter; they were drafting a player to fill a specific role, anchored in defense, rebounding, and interior presence. Judging her solely on shooting metrics ignores the multifaceted nature of her game and her potential contributions to team success.

The narrative surrounding Reese’s shooting also highlights a broader trend in modern sports analysis, where statistics, sometimes taken out of context, can dominate the conversation. While numbers provide valuable insights, they don’t always capture the full picture of a player’s impact.

Factors like defensive assignments, on-court chemistry, hustle plays, and leadership don’t always show up neatly in a box score but are crucial to winning.

For Reese, developing a more consistent offensive game, including improving her finishing around the rim and her free-throw shooting, will undoubtedly be a focus. However, her value to the Sky, even as she develops, lies in her ability to influence the game in ways that go beyond scoring efficiency.

The team, her coaches, and her teammates are likely focused on her overall development and integration into their system, rather than solely on early-season shooting struggles.

Furthermore, the intensity of the spotlight on Reese and other rookies underscores the rapid growth and increasing visibility of the WNBA.

While this attention is positive for the league, it also creates an environment where players, especially young ones, face immense pressure to perform immediately.

The “hot take” culture and the speed at which narratives form online mean that struggles can be amplified and turned into definitive judgments prematurely.

Patience is often a forgotten virtue in sports fandom and analysis. Player development takes time, and rookies, no matter how talented, typically experience ups and downs as they adapt to the professional level. Learning new systems, adjusting to the speed and physicality, and building chemistry with teammates are all part of the process.

Looking ahead, Angel Reese’s career is just beginning. The challenges she’s facing now, including the scrutiny over her shooting, are part of the crucible of professional sports.

Her track record shows a player with immense determination and a strong work ethic. The focus for her and the Sky will be on continued development, refining her strengths, and gradually improving areas of weakness.

Whether she becomes an efficient scorer remains to be seen, but her potential to be an impactful player in the WNBA, built on her core strengths of rebounding, defense, and energy, is undeniable.

The narrative of “worst shooter” and “panicking” may generate clicks and discussion, but it’s a premature and overly simplistic assessment of a young player navigating the demanding world of professional basketball.

Her journey is one to watch, not just for the statistics, but for the resilience and growth that often define a player’s true legacy.