Angel Reese Roasted by New WNBA Teammates in Awkward Press Conference

Newly traded player faces ribbing from Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Naz Hillmon

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game in a fractured, multi-perspective style, with the players' bodies and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant color.A playful yet pointed welcome for a new WNBA star, as her teammates test the waters of their new dynamic.Chicago Today

Angel Reese, who was recently traded from the Chicago Sky to a new WNBA team, found herself the target of good-natured ribbing from her new teammates Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Naz Hillmon during an awkward press conference. The three players took turns recounting memories of playing against Reese in the past, poking fun at her competitive nature and on-court antics.

Why it matters

The press conference highlighted the challenges of integrating a high-profile player into a new team dynamic, as Reese's reputation as an intense competitor seemed to clash with the more lighthearted banter of her new teammates. This type of public hazing, while common in sports, can also be a delicate situation to navigate for both the player and the organization.

The details

During the press conference, Howard, Gray, and Hillmon each shared stories about facing off against Reese in the past, with the players poking fun at Reese's tendency to talk trash and her fiery on-court demeanor. The new teammates seemed to be testing the waters and establishing their dynamic with the newcomer Reese.

  • The press conference took place on April 19, 2026, shortly after Reese's trade from the Chicago Sky to her new WNBA team.

The players

Angel Reese

A recently traded WNBA player who found herself the target of good-natured ribbing from her new teammates.

Rhyne Howard

One of Angel Reese's new WNBA teammates who recounted memories of playing against her in the past.

Allisha Gray

One of Angel Reese's new WNBA teammates who recounted memories of playing against her in the past.

Naz Hillmon

One of Angel Reese's new WNBA teammates who recounted memories of playing against her in the past.

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What they’re saying

“I remember when we played against her in college, she was always talking trash and trying to get in our heads.”

— Rhyne Howard, WNBA Player

“She's always been a really competitive player, but sometimes she takes it a little too far, you know?”

— Allisha Gray, WNBA Player

“We're just giving her a hard time, but we're excited to have her on the team. She's going to bring a lot of energy and intensity.”

— Naz Hillmon, WNBA Player

What’s next

The team will continue to work on integrating Reese into the roster and establishing a cohesive team dynamic as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA season.

The takeaway

This press conference highlights the delicate balance that professional sports teams must strike when bringing in a high-profile player with a strong personality. While good-natured ribbing can be a way to break the ice, it's important for the team to find a way to channel Reese's competitive spirit in a way that benefits the entire squad.