​Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese, one of the brightest stars in the WNBA, did not make the starting five for the upcoming All-Star Game. While she indicated the omission did not fully surprise her, she was stunned that none of her Dream teammates were chosen as starters.
In a recent interview, Reese criticized the All-Star voting, calling the result a “slap in the face” that no Dream player was among the starting guards or frontcourt selections. The Dream have been among the league’s top teams for much of the season, yet when the starters were revealed, no Dream player was listed in that group.
Although Reese said she wasn’t shocked to miss the starting lineup herself, she expressed particular frustration that veteran guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were not named starters. “I expect to be disrespected,” Reese told ESPN. “For those two, though, they work so hard and they’re guarded every game and have to adjust. The reason we’re where we are is because of those two. For us not to have anyone as a starter is just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am.”
The All-Star starters included Paige Bueckers, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark, and Kelsey Mitchell at guard, while A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jessica Shepard, Aliyah Boston, Gabby Williams, and Natasha Howard were named as starters in the frontcourt.
“Congrats to those who were nominated; they were well deserved,” Reese said. “But it’s a big shock to see none of us listed as starters, especially given our team’s performance this season. I’m sure we’ll still be All-Stars, but it is important to note that none of us were starters on a team that has enjoyed substantial success.”
Reese has been leading the WNBA in rebounds for a third straight season, averaging 11.8 boards per game. She has also said she has intentionally limited media comments in recent years due to persistent negative attention, a point she raised even before this season. Yet with the perceived disrespect toward her teammates, she couldn’t stay quiet this time.
“I haven’t said much in the media this year because it’s been tough for me over the last two years,” Reese explained. “But it felt important to speak up for my teammates, who don’t always have a platform to defend themselves. I know the work they put in and why I’m in Atlanta — it’s because of them. Our team’s success hinges on those two as well.”
The Dream sit at 12-9, carrying momentum as they navigate the rest of the season.