Angel Reese injury clouds her return to WNBA - SBNation.com

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has had a slow preseason as she prepares for her second WNBA season. But for one former NBA star, it’s the media headlines about her recent performance that was more bothersome.

On Saturday, Reese went 2-of-8 shooting and finished with 10 points in a 92-87 loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Following the game, Bleacher Report entitled the recap “Angel Reese Disappoints WNBA Fans as Van Lith, Sky Lose to Collier, Lynx in Preseason.”

That title has since been changed, but it didn’t sit well with former NBA player Etan Thomas.

A former first-round pick in the 2000 NBA Draft, Thomas played over a decade in the NBA and now does sports commentary. Taking to X yesterday morning, Thomas admonished Bleacher Report for their headline decision.

“Dear Bleacher Report / 1. It’s a little early to return back to the demonization of Angel Reese isn’t it ? 2. We’re talking about Pre Season (Allen Iverson Voice) 3. Pre season is mostly utilized so teams can assess their cuts, it’s not about wins and losses but y’all know that,” Thomas wrote.

But NBA fans didn’t take kindly to Thomas’ attempt at policing B/R’s headline. A number of users in his replies pointed out that it’s fine for people to criticize Reese for whatever reason – especially when the numbers are low.

“It’s not demonization. It’s statistics,” one user replied.

“People can’t say anything negative about black folks anymore huh? Angel Reese shouldn’t have been so cocky her rookie year. This comes with the territory,” wrote another.

“It’s sports dude. It ain’t that serious. Ain’t nobody demonizing the rebound merchant!”

Angel Reese playing for the Rose Basketball Club.

MEDLEY, FLORIDA – JANUARY 31: Angel Reese #5 of Rose looks on against the Phantom during the third quarter of the game at Wayfair Arena on January 31, 2025 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Reese has been a polarizing figure in women’s basketball ever since her finger-pointing incident in the national title game between LSU and Iowa two years ago.

Since then, Reese has had a target on her back and she’s largely chosen to embrace it rather than ask for forgiveness.

When someone chooses to be the villain of everyone else’s story, there are always going to be plenty of people applauding when she gets knocked down a peg.

Reese will have to silence the doubters with better play on the court.