Angel Reese has never been shy about her confidence. From viral moments in college to bold declarations in the pros, the Chicago Sky rookie has always believed she’s more than just a player—she’s a phenomenon. But this week, that self-assurance ran headlong into a wall of reality checks on Patrick Bet-David’s podcast, igniting a debate that’s raged across the WNBA and beyond: Is Angel Reese delusional, misunderstood, or simply the bold voice women’s basketball needs?
The Claim That Sparked It All
It started with a statement only Angel Reese could deliver. “I’ll look back in 20 years and be like, ‘Yeah, the reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me, too. And I want y’all to realize that.’” In Reese’s mind, she isn’t just part of the league—she’s a pillar. A top player. A reason fans tune in.
But Patrick Bet-David, the outspoken host and entrepreneur, wasn’t having it. On his latest show, he delivered what might be the most savage, sarcastic, and—some argue—necessary roast of the WNBA season. “Honestly, there’s a part of me that wants to compliment her,” he began, almost lulling listeners into thinking he’d offer praise. Instead, he lowered the boom: “I don’t think anyone in the NBA has the level of faith that Angel Reese has. She goes in and just throws the ball up. She doesn’t even care where it’s going. Watching her play is a moment of faith—I have an emotional connection with God because you need that kind of faith to believe it’s going in.”
The panel erupted in laughter. But the moment was more than just a viral soundbite. It was a cultural flashpoint, laying bare the line between confidence and delusion, hype and reality, entertainment and results.
The Receipts: Highlights and Missed Layups
Bet-David didn’t stop at words. He backed up his critique with video evidence, rolling clip after clip of Reese missing layups—shots every “top player” is expected to make. “Can we just show highlights of her jump?” he asked, as the panel watched Reese’s struggles play out on screen. “Tell me, you believe in God like Angel Reese does? I don’t know a lot of people that have her level of faith.”
It was harsh, but it was honest. And in the world of sports talk, honesty—especially when it’s uncomfortable—always gets people talking.
The Jordan Comparison: Faith vs. Greatness
Perhaps the most stinging moment came when Bet-David drew a tongue-in-cheek comparison between Reese’s confidence and Michael Jordan’s. “Jordan have that kind of faith?” he asked, incredulously. “Tell me, you have that kind of faith, Jordan. Have that kind of faith.”
The message was clear: Jordan’s greatness was built on results, not just belief. And while Reese’s confidence is admirable, it’s not the same as dominance.
Rivalries, Ratings, and the Real Reason Fans Watch
But the podcast wasn’t just about tearing down Angel Reese. Bet-David and his panel quickly pivoted to what really drives the WNBA’s newfound popularity: rivalries and animosity. “You know what game I wouldn’t mind going to? When they face each other [Reese and Caitlin Clark],” he said. “Because there’s one thing I love about sports: animosity.”
And he’s right. The WNBA’s biggest ratings, most viral moments, and loudest debates have all come from the ongoing rivalry between Reese and Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. When asked, every panelist agreed they’d pay to see the two face off again. The league’s most compelling story isn’t just about stats—it’s about personalities, competition, and the drama that keeps fans glued to their screens.
Confidence or Delusion? The Numbers Don’t Lie
Still, the gap between belief and reality is hard to ignore. Reese’s claim to “top player” status is bold, but her numbers tell a different story. Averaging a respectable double-double (around 13 points and 13 rebounds), she’s certainly productive—but she’s not dominating games, and her team isn’t winning at a historic clip. Meanwhile, Clark is rewriting record books, forcing teams to change their entire defensive schemes, and leading the league in All-Star votes by a landslide.
Even among players, the difference is clear. In All-Star voting, Clark leads with over 1.3 million votes; Reese, despite her popularity, barely cracks half a million. When players themselves voted, Reese ranked 12th among frontcourt players. That’s not “top player” territory, no matter how you spin it.
Hype, Headlines, and the Power of Belief
Yet, there’s a reason Angel Reese stays in the headlines. Her confidence, her willingness to talk, to put herself at the center of every narrative, is magnetic. She’s not the silent type, and she’s never been afraid of the spotlight. In her mind, she’s shoulder-to-shoulder with Clark on the WNBA’s Mount Rushmore, not just a rival but an equal.
It’s a belief that borders on delusion, but in sports, sometimes that’s what it takes. The same self-assuredness that draws criticism also draws fans, media attention, and endorsement deals. Reese’s confidence is her superpower—even if it occasionally outpaces her production.
The Real Rivalry: Clark, Reese, and the Future of the WNBA
As the WNBA’s All-Star Game approaches, the Clark vs. Reese debate is hotter than ever. Reese sees herself as the reason fans watch; Clark lets her game do the talking. The numbers, the wins, and the votes all favor Clark, but Reese’s personality ensures she’s never far from the conversation.
For the league, that’s a win. Rivalries fuel ratings, and the tension between these two young stars is bringing more eyes to women’s basketball than ever before. Whether you love Angel Reese or love to root against her, you’re watching. And that’s exactly what the WNBA needs.
The Verdict: Savage, But Fair?
So, was Patrick Bet-David too harsh? Or was he just saying what everyone else was thinking? The truth is probably somewhere in between. Reese’s self-belief is inspiring, but it’s also a reminder that greatness in sports is measured by more than just talk. Stats, wins, and impact matter—and right now, Caitlin Clark is setting the standard.
But don’t count Angel Reese out. Confidence, even when it seems misplaced, is often the first step toward greatness. If she can match her belief with production, the story might look very different in a year or two.
For now, the debate rages on. Is Angel Reese delusional, misunderstood, or just the bold voice the WNBA needs? Drop your thoughts in the comments—and if you think Patrick Bet-David was just saying what everyone else was thinking, you’re not alone.
