The Atlanta Dream fell to the Minnesota Lynx in somewhat embarassing fashion, losing 96-81 and relinquishing its spot at the top of the WNBA standings. It was a disappointing showing for a team looking to make a title run this year.
The Dream made the blockbuster move to trade with the Chicago Sky for forward Angel Reese. The move has looked like a runaway win for the Dream, with Reese impacting the game massively on the glass and on the defensive side of the floor, even if she’s struggled with her scoring efficiency.
However, Thursday’s box score paints a somewhat different picture. Reese finished the game with a +/- of -16 per ESPN, while backup forward Sika Kone posted a +8 in her limited minutes.
Exploring ESPN’s advanced Analytics reveals that Reese is last on the Dream in Net Points, which is a stat that aims to quantify players’ total contribution to the scoring margin while accounting for more than just points scored, the way +/- does.
Through the first six games of the season, Reese is posting a -13 in total Net Points, with a -11 on the offensive side and a somewhat surprising negative value on defense as well. She’s also tied for last on the team in WAR with -0.1.
There’s still plenty of time for Reese to figure things out this season, but the advanced numbers certainly beg the question: Is the Dream better off with Reese on the bench? Her high intensity and effort could be a great asset for the second unit, and coming off the bench may serve to remove some of the constant scrutiny that Reese endures.
Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko will certainly have to think about how Reese best helps the team if she can’t turn things around.
The post Advanced stats paint Angel Reese as the worst player on the Dream appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.
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