Even though the Atlanta Dream have tied for the best record in the Eastern Conference, they won’t have a starter in this year’s WNBA All-Star Game.
Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Alesha Gray were all close to making the cut, and it seems pretty likely that they’ll still be chosen for the match. But, Reese feels that this isn’t quite enough recognition.
He remarked, “I’m looking forward to it,” but emphasized that the situation feels disrespectful to his team since “they don’t say anything” about it.
He added, “With those two guys, I think they work really hard and put in a lot of effort. The way they’re guarded every game is something we have to adapt to. We’re here because of both of them.”
For Reese and his teammates, not having anyone selected felt like a slap in the face.
As for how the starters were chosen, out of six frontcourt players, three on each team were voted in. Reese was ranked sixth across the board but ended up seventh due to the weighted points system. Similarly, Howard and Gray placed fifth and sixth among guards, while Howard was second among guards according to players but ranked lower by fans and media.
Interestingly, Caitlin Clark was named an All-Star despite being listed 11th at the guard position by fellow players and ranking fifth overall with an average of 21.2 points per game—second for assists too. She’s the only player in the league averaging more than 20 points and eight assists, which is quite an achievement.
In his first season with the Dream, Reese consistently performed well, averaging a double-double: 14.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game—making his rebound numbers the best in the league.
