Jason Whitlock Slams Angel Reese as “Most Overrated Athlete in Sports,” Criticizes Her Athleticism and Skills in the WNBA
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has been one of the most talked-about athletes in the WNBA this season, celebrated for her double-double averages and rebounding prowess. However, not everyone is convinced of her star status. On Blaze TV’s “Fearless,” sports commentator Jason Whitlock delivered a scathing critique, calling Reese “arguably the most overrated athlete in all of sports” and “as unskilled as any player in the WNBA.”
Whitlock’s Critique
Whitlock’s criticism centered on Reese’s perceived lack of skill and athleticism. He described her movement on the court as “awkward,” claiming her “lower body seems to be disconnected from her upper body.” He further stated, “She’s incredibly unathletic. She has no skill, no post-game.” Whitlock compared her unfavorably to WNBA legend Candace Parker, suggesting that Parker would “laugh” at the idea of Reese being her successor.
He also argued that Reese’s rebounding numbers are inflated by her own missed shots, stating, “This woman is a rebounder and that’s it. She has no other skill, and that’s why she hates Caitlin Clark so much.” Whitlock concluded, “Anybody can watch her in the post and see how she just throws the ball up and a lot of times it gets swatted away.”
Statistical Context
Despite Whitlock’s harsh assessment, Reese’s rookie season has been statistically impressive in some areas. She ranks fourth in the league in rebounding and is averaging a double-double with 12.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. However, her shooting efficiency has been a point of concern: Reese is shooting just 37.1% from the field, the fourth-worst among qualified WNBA players and the lowest among forwards and centers.
For comparison, fellow rookie Caitlin Clark is shooting slightly better at 38.3% from the field and excels as a perimeter player, averaging 2.7 made three-pointers per game on 8.1 attempts. Reese, by contrast, has not made a single three-pointer all season and rarely leaves the paint on offense.
Reese has shot over 50% from the field in only two of her 13 games, and her team, the Chicago Sky, currently holds a 4-9 record—one game behind Clark’s Indiana Fever, who have beaten the Sky in both of their matchups.
In terms of true shooting percentage, Clark’s 56.0% ranks 40th in the league, while Reese’s 46.0% places her at 106th.
Additional Commentary
Steve Kim, appearing on “Fearless” alongside Whitlock, added his own perspective: “The most appealing and entertaining part of Angel Reese’s game is when she walks into the locker room with her daily ‘fit’ as the kids say. She basically has the game of Joakim Noah, and she’s talked about like she’s Derrick Rose. We have to be honest about this.” Whitlock responded, “She WISHES she had Joakim Noah’s game.”
The Debate
Whitlock’s and Kim’s comments have sparked debate among fans and analysts. Supporters of Reese point to her impact on the boards and her ability to energize her team, while critics echo concerns about her shooting efficiency and overall skill set. The conversation also reflects broader themes in sports media about how athletes are evaluated, particularly rookies who receive significant media attention.
Conclusion
Angel Reese’s rookie season has been both celebrated and scrutinized. While her rebounding and hustle have earned her praise, critics like Jason Whitlock argue that her lack of offensive skill and shooting efficiency make her one of the most overrated athletes in sports. As the season progresses, the debate over Reese’s true impact on the court—and her place among WNBA stars—shows no signs of slowing down.
