Angel Reese's Layup Problem Is Also Easy Path to Improvement
I'm on record saying that including Angel Reese in any WNBA Rookie of the Year conversation is ridiculous at this point. In fact, I believe it only hurts Angel, because it is now leading to fans scrutinizing her flaws to show she doesn't belong in a debate with Caitlin Clark. With the easiest flaw to see being Reese's finishing ability.
Angel reese after shooting 3-12 tonight but still finishing with a double double pic.twitter.com/JzuvU0K3vW
— John (@iam_johnw) August 17, 2024
It's not a secret that the Chicago Sky star is having trouble converting around the basket. Angel is shooting under 30% over her last five games and under 40% on the season despite the bulk her opportunities coming near the rim. Reese is making just 45% of her shots from less than 5 feet and a paltry 11% of attempts from 5-9 feet. With those making up over 86% of her shots attempted overall.
But while that is a glaring flaw, it is also an easy path for improvement. Beyond adding other dimensions to her game, like a a go-to move or a face-up jumper, Reese can make a big leap simply by making more layups.
Let's do some simple math for a second. If Barbie were to make only two more bunnies a game, that would give her 104 more total points on the season. Which would take her current scoring average from 13.4 points all the way up to 17.4 points per game, while obviously also increasing her efficiency. Of course this isn't advanced analysis and doesn't account for things like points she may have scored off her own misses, but the overall point is apparent.
Reese's ceiling is high because she is able to make an impact on the court without scoring at nearly the rate she should be with her opportunities. Angel is on her way to setting league rebounding records and her versatility defensively has made her a plus on the floor for Chicago. For instance, she was +4 in the team's four point win against the Los Angeles Sparks while hitting only 4 of 13 shots.
Angel's natural instincts on the glass and overall tenacity are impressive already. And while hitting on more makeable field goals will likely lower her prodigious offensive rebounding numbers a bit, it will also raise her game a ton. As the easiest path for Reese to make rapid improvement is clear to see. She just need to finish the easy ones.
ROBIN LUNDBERG
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!