When Angel Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream, basketball fans understood well and truly that her past criticisms had completely burned the bridge that the superstar and the Chicago Sky tried to rebuild.
The forward was clearly not happy when her team was struggling to win games to the point where they were very close to ending up at the bottom of the standings.
That was despite the Maryland native taking a leap in her play with added playmaking and scoring responsibilities. That is why she felt that the Sky was doing her a disservice by assembling what she felt was an incompetent team.
Even though Angel Reese apologized to her teammates, whom she inadvertently criticized, her comments about the team did not change.
She wanted to win and wanted the organization to build a roster she could compete. Now, it seems the ship has sailed, and she finds herself amongst a star-studded Atlanta Dream roster.
At the end of the day, I want to win. Being able to come to an organization that really cared about their players… Having a GM that really wanted me and knew what my talents are… It's like a breath of fresh air. It lowkey makes me emotional because I haven't had this, and I'm really grateful.
Angel Reese told reportersThe 23-year-old nearly shed a tear during the season-opening press conference, making it clear that she was overjoyed to be in this new environment. Those comments were a subtle diss to the Chicago Sky, who she believes did not give her a platform to succeed.
At this press conference, Angel Reese was visibly happy joining a team that boasts a plethora of talent. When one reporter asked her new teammates seated beside her on the podium what it was like to play against her.
Any time Angel's been on the other side of the court, I think I got about 30.
Rhyne Howard saidThis was USA Basketball teammate Rhyne Howard, whose comment left the new Dream forward shocked. She knew the guard was trolling her, but doing it publicly left her with her jaw on the floor.
Naz Hillmon followed it up by stating how Reese is annoying, which again drew some chuckles from the seated members of the media. But she also stated that her battles against the former Chicago Sky star were enjoyable.
Last, team leader Allisha Gray followed Howard's line of thought and reiterated that her best game from last season came against Angel Reese and the Sky.
After the jokes settled down, Allisha Gray then continued to talk about how she would avoid battling Angel Reese for rebounds. Then, she went on to say how their newest team member's skills can help them contend for a championship.
She's the piece we needed to get us over the hump… I feel like here in Atlanta, she really can spread her wings and show all parts of her game… She's more than just a rebounder cuz Angel's a bucket.
Allisha Gray saidLast year, the Indiana Fever throttled the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the playoffs, despite having Brittney Griner on the bench. This season, the latter has moved on to the Connecticut Sun after Reese arrived.
Gray believes that the two-time All-Star has skills that the Dream needs to compete for a championship. She stressed that it was not just restricted to her rebounding, as her other abilities are what they need to take the next step.
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