Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese said it was “disrespectful” and “a slap in the face” that no players from the Eastern Conference-leading team were selected as starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, and she made clear she believes greater fan mobilization could have changed the outcome.
Reese, who was traded to Atlanta in the offseason after two seasons with the Chicago Sky, spoke out Thursday after the league announced its starters. The Dream entered the announcement tied for first in the East at 12-8, just 3½ games behind the top spot overall, yet none of their players cracked the starting lineup determined by a weighted vote: 50% fan, 25% media and 25% player.
“I expect to be disrespected,” Reese said. “For those two, though, I think they work so hard, and they put a lot of work in, and the way that they’re guarded every game and they [have to] adjust. The reason why we’re where we are is because of those two. For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am.”
Reese specifically highlighted veteran teammates Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, both former All-Stars with strong statistical cases. Howard ranked No. 1 in steals per game (2.5) and among the league leaders in three-pointers. Gray and Howard finished 12th and 13th in scoring while ranking as top three-point shooters. Reese herself led the WNBA in rebounds (11.6 per game) and double-doubles while ranking among the top defensive players by win shares.
The absence of Dream starters came despite solid showings across voting groups. Reese finished sixth among frontcourt players in fan, media and player voting. Howard ranked ninth among guards in fan voting but fourth by media and second by players. Gray was seventh in fan voting among guards, eighth by media and sixth by players. Their overall weighted scores placed them just outside the starter cut (top four guards and top six frontcourt players).
Reese directly addressed the fan-voting component, saying she wished Dream supporters had “galvanized around their players more.” In a league where fans cast half the weighted vote for starters, the comment underscored a common challenge for teams outside the largest markets: consistent, high-volume fan participation in online voting windows.
“Congrats to the ones that were nominated, they were well-deserved,” Reese added. “But it’s a very big shocker to see that none of us were starters, especially where we are as a team in the league. I’m sure we’re still going to be All-Stars. I have no doubt in my mind that we still will be, but I think it is important to note that none of us were starters on a team that has had so much success this year.”
Reese framed her comments as standing up for teammates who are less vocal in the media. She noted the personal challenges of the past two years but felt compelled to speak because “I know the work they put in. I know the reason why I’m in Atlanta is because of them. I know that the team’s success is based off those two as well.”
The Dream’s backcourt has been a strength all season, with Howard and guard Jordin Canada ranking first and second in steals. Gray has provided scoring and spacing. Reese has anchored the frontcourt with rebounding and defense. Their collective production helped Atlanta stay near the top of the East despite roster turnover.
