Should Angel Reese Rank Higher in WNBA All-Star Voting? The Case for the Rookie Phenom 🏀

The WNBA All-Star fan vote always sparks conversation, but this year the debate has reached a whole new level. On one hand, rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has stormed the leaderboard, amassing an astounding 515,993 votes—by far the most of any player. On the other hand, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese sits in 13th place with 173,363 votes, despite posting one of the most remarkable seasons any rookie has ever seen. The disparity has left fans, analysts, and even former players questioning why Reese’s incredible impact on the court isn’t translating to All-Star recognition.

Reese’s debut season has been nothing short of phenomenal. From the opening tip, she has dominated the boards, racked up double-doubles at a historic pace, and carved out her place as one of the league’s premier rebounders. In just her first season, Reese has already broken records for consecutive double-doubles by a rookie—an achievement that firmly places her in the conversation with the WNBA’s elite. She’s not just excelling statistically; she’s changing the way the Sky play, redefining her team’s identity and raising the bar for what it means to be a rookie in the league.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Reese has also emerged as a defensive powerhouse, a vocal leader in the locker room, and a cultural figure whose presence resonates far beyond the hardwood. She’s been fearless, outspoken, and unapologetic, embracing her role not just as a player but as an ambassador for women’s basketball. Whether it’s her energy on the court, her fierce competitiveness, or her ability to inspire younger players, Reese has already become more than just a rookie sensation—she’s a symbol of the next generation of WNBA stars.

So why hasn’t this translated into more All-Star votes? The answer, unsurprisingly, is complicated. Fan voting in professional sports often depends as much on visibility, narrative, and hype as it does on raw statistics. Caitlin Clark’s dominance in the voting reflects not just her extraordinary play but also her visibility. Clark’s college career at Iowa made her a household name before she even entered the WNBA, and her deep shooting range, high-scoring games, and highlight-reel plays have built her a massive, dedicated fan base. Every three-pointer Clark hits, every buzzer-beater, and every viral clip drives votes, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of attention and popularity.

Reese, by contrast, is excelling in ways that don’t always make the highlight reel. Her game is gritty, tenacious, and team-focused—a style that wins games but doesn’t always attract viral social media moments. Her dominance is often in the fundamentals: rebounds, screens, defensive rotations, and controlling the pace of play. Fans who focus solely on flashy plays might overlook the less glamorous contributions that are critical to the Sky’s success. While Clark’s scoring highlights attract immediate attention, Reese’s consistent excellence provides long-term, tangible results for her team, even if it doesn’t always make the front page.

Market dynamics also play a role. Chicago is undeniably a major sports market, but it hasn’t generated the same national frenzy around a rookie player as Indiana has with Clark. Media coverage, fan engagement, and exposure are key factors in a fan-vote-heavy system. Reese’s story may not be as widely circulated, even though her impact is equally—if not more—impressive. The result is that fan voting, while democratic, often favors players with higher visibility or preexisting fame rather than those whose contributions are purely statistical or team-oriented.

Yet, despite these challenges, Reese’s case for All-Star recognition is compelling. Consider her contributions in context: she’s not just posting impressive numbers; she’s transforming her team. The Sky’s success this season is directly tied to Reese’s performance, from her dominant presence in the paint to her leadership on and off the court. She has become the anchor of the team, the player who other teammates look to in clutch moments. This is the type of impact that coaches, analysts, and seasoned players recognize as All-Star-worthy—even if casual fans don’t immediately see it.

Monica McNutt, a respected analyst and commentator, has been outspoken about the situation, stating, “If Angel Reese was white, she would clearly have the most votes.” Her comment shines a light on the broader conversation about visibility, bias, and narrative in sports voting. Reese is undeniably talented, but she also represents a new wave of athletes who challenge traditional expectations of what a star player looks like, both in style of play and in public persona. This conversation extends beyond basketball—into how media narratives are shaped and whose stories get told.

There’s also the matter of timing. Clark’s scoring feats have created viral moments almost daily, which naturally draws votes. Reese, while equally impactful, often shines in ways that require a deeper understanding of the game: controlling the boards, setting screens, altering shots, and executing high-IQ basketball that doesn’t always make highlight packages. Fans who vote based on highlights may inadvertently undervalue the quieter, more fundamental excellence that Reese exemplifies. In other words, she’s a player’s player—one whose contributions are obvious to those who study the game, even if they’re less obvious to casual observers.

The contrast between Reese’s impact and her voting totals underscores the challenge of fan-driven systems. All-Star games are intended to celebrate the best players, but in practice, they often reward visibility as much as performance. This doesn’t diminish Reese’s achievements—it highlights them. Despite being a rookie, playing a less “flashy” style, and competing against high-profile peers, she has already earned a spot in the conversation for top-tier talent. Her 13th-place standing in the voting is less a reflection of her skill and more a reflection of the mechanics of the voting process.

There’s also a cultural element at play. Reese has become more than just a basketball player; she’s a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and excellence. Her presence in the WNBA extends beyond stats, influencing fans, young athletes, and the broader conversation around women’s sports. By elevating Reese in the All-Star conversation, the league and its fans would be recognizing not only her on-court talent but also her role in shaping the culture of the sport.

Looking ahead, Reese’s season is far from over, and there’s still time for her vote totals to catch up with her accomplishments. Fans who take the time to understand her impact—statistical dominance, leadership, defensive prowess, and cultural significance—will see that she deserves a higher spot on the All-Star roster. Whether that recognition comes this year or in future seasons, Reese’s place among the WNBA’s elite is already secure.

In the end, All-Star games are about more than statistics—they’re about the players fans want to see on the biggest stage. Angel Reese has proven that she deserves to be there, not just as a rookie phenom, but as a transformative force in the league. Her 13th-place standing might not yet reflect the reality of her dominance, but her performance, leadership, and influence make a compelling argument that she belongs much higher on the list.

Angel Reese’s rookie season is more than a collection of numbers—it’s a statement. She’s not just keeping pace with her peers; she’s redefining what it means to be an impactful player in the WNBA. Fans, media, and fellow players alike are witnessing the rise of a star who combines elite athleticism with leadership, tenacity, and a personality that resonates beyond the court. The All-Star vote may lag behind, but Angel Reese’s legacy is already being written—and it’s one that demands recognition at the highest level.

So the question remains: will fans catch up to what Reese has accomplished, or will she continue to be underappreciated in the voting? Either way, the numbers, the wins, and the influence speak for themselves. Angel Reese isn’t just a rookie—she’s a force, a cultural icon, and a clear candidate for All-Star glory.