Atlanta Dream Looks to Unlock Angel Reese's Efficiency

Newly acquired forward could benefit from playing alongside elite backcourt duo

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:09pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the fluid movements and overlapping perspectives of a WNBA basketball game, rendered in a vibrant color palette of blues, oranges, and purples.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic interplay between Atlanta Dream's elite backcourt and the rising potential of forward Angel Reese.Chicago Today

Angel Reese, the former Chicago Sky forward, has struggled with her field goal efficiency near the basket in her first two WNBA seasons. However, her trade to the Atlanta Dream could unlock her potential, as she'll now play alongside elite guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who can create more open looks for Reese in the paint.

Why it matters

Reese is considered one of the league's rising stars, but her inability to convert easy shots around the rim has been a point of criticism. If the Dream can help improve her efficiency, it could take her game to new heights and make the team an even bigger threat in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Reese shot just 49.8% from 0-3 feet as a rookie, which improved to 52.2% in her second season but still ranked fourth-worst among forwards and centers who played at least half their team's games. In contrast, elite forwards like Nneka Ogwumike, A'ja Wilson, and Alyssa Thomas all shot over 70% from that range. The lack of playmaking and floor spacing in Chicago likely contributed to Reese's efficiency struggles, as defenses could focus on her and collapse the paint.

  • Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream prior to the 2026 WNBA season.
  • In her rookie 2024 season, Reese shot 49.8% from 0-3 feet.
  • In her second season in 2025, Reese improved to 52.2% from 0-3 feet.

The players

Angel Reese

A young, rising star forward who was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream. She has struggled with field goal efficiency near the basket in her first two WNBA seasons.

Rhyne Howard

An elite scoring guard for the Atlanta Dream who can create open looks for Reese.

Allisha Gray

Another elite guard for the Atlanta Dream who, along with Rhyne Howard, should help create more space for Reese to operate in the paint.

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What they’re saying

“Reese is still a young player with a ton of talent and room to develop. And this development could come quickly once she begins playing alongside her elite Dream teammates.”

— Grant Young, Author

What’s next

The Dream will be closely watched this upcoming season to see if Reese can improve her efficiency around the basket playing alongside Howard and Gray.

The takeaway

The trade to Atlanta presents a great opportunity for Angel Reese to take the next step in her development. With more open looks and less scoring pressure, she could unlock her full potential as an elite two-way forward in the WNBA.