Controversy Erupts Over Angel Reese’s Spot in WNBA Draft Tribute Post as Paige Bueckers Preps for No. 1 Pick

Before the season kicked off, Paige Bueckers made an insightful statement: “Everybody saw the ‘World Tour,’ they didn’t see the ‘Work Tour’…which is fine. They see me like three or four hours a day and think they know my entire 24 hours, which is cool. The work will always show. I’m a believer in that.” And show it did. In what would be her final season with the UConn Huskies, Bueckers gave everything she had, playing with a fierce determination that culminated in an unforgettable March Madness run. She delivered three consecutive 30-point games under the brightest of lights, making sure her last chapter at UConn was nothing short of legendary.

As the WNBA gears up for a new wave of talent, Bueckers is on the brink of joining the league, widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick. Alongside her, players like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese are already making waves in the basketball world, setting new standards for women’s hoops. But despite the rise of these stars, the path hasn’t been without obstacles. Angel Reese, despite her rookie-year success, continues to fight for her place at the table, a struggle that was recently highlighted by a controversial moment on social media.

The WNBA’s Instagram post announcing Paige Bueckers’ draft status stirred up significant backlash, but not because of Bueckers herself. The issue arose over the tribute photo, which featured Paige looking up at previous No. 1 picks, including Caitlin Clark. And in an unexpected twist, Angel Reese was also included—despite being the 7th overall pick in last year’s draft, not a first-overall pick like the others. This led to an outpouring of fan reactions, with many questioning Reese’s inclusion. Some fans voiced their confusion, wondering why Reese was spotlighted over other accomplished players like Kelsey Plum or Sabrina Ionescu. One fan tweeted, “Reese over Napheesa? C’mon,” while another asked, “They put Angel Reese instead of Kelsey Plum?” The debate quickly gained momentum on social media, with critics questioning why Reese, a standout rookie with the Chicago Sky, was part of the graphic when she hadn’t been a top pick.

Reese, however, wasn’t just any rookie. She had a stellar first season, earning All-Star honors while averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. She even set a WNBA record for most rebounds in a season, a feat that solidified her place in the league. While some fans were upset about her presence in the post, others came to her defense, pointing out that even Lisa Leslie, who was also the 7th overall pick, was included in the graphic.

But the controversy surrounding Reese seems to go beyond basketball stats. One fan argued, “The Angel Reese hate is getting so out of control! It really bothers y’all that she is a young, successful, and Black woman!” It’s clear that the backlash against Reese isn’t just about her draft position but also about her presence and influence in the league.

As these stars—Bueckers, Clark, Reese, and others—prepare for the next chapter of their careers, they’re not just entering the WNBA; they’re shaping its future. With talent, drive, and determination, the next generation of women’s basketball superstars is set to push the boundaries even further. And while there may be drama and challenges along the way, the spotlight on these athletes shows the growing power of women’s basketball on and off the court.