Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko didn't mince words when asked about Angel Reese's defensive credentials. In his view, her spot on the All-Defensive Team is settled, and the real conversation should center on whether she wins Defensive Player of the Year outright.

"That's gotta be case closed, right? She has to be first team ... I think the question is whether she'll be Defensive Player of the Year," Smesko said, as posted by @ItsMeghanLHall. "I think Angel's case is as good as anyone's."

The 6-foot-3 forward has developed into one of the league's most impactful two-way players while anchoring a defense that ranks among the WNBA's best.

The endorsement, as per @ItsMeghanLHall on X, comes as Reese wraps up a standout debut season with the Dream after being acquired from the Chicago Sky.

Reese leads the league in rebounding at 12.4 per game and recently became the first player in WNBA history to reach 500 rebounds in a single season. She also ranks among the league leaders in steals at 1.8 per game.

She has posted strong advanced defensive metrics, including solid defensive win shares and a notable on-off defensive rating gap for Atlanta. When she's on the floor, the Dream's defense consistently tightens; when she sits, opponents find things easier.

Atlanta has thrived with Reese as its defensive centerpiece, sitting firmly in playoff position with one of the more consistent defenses in the league all season.

Smesko has repeatedly credited the group's overall defensive identity, but he's been clear that Reese is the one setting the tone.

Who else are in the conversation for DPOY 2026?

Angel Reese has turned the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year race into a genuine four-player conversation, joining established names Gabby Williams, A'ja Wilson, and teammate Rhyne Howard, as per USA Today.

Williams has anchored the Golden State Valkyries' top-ranked defense, leading her team in steals at 1.6 per game while taking on tough nightly defensive assignments, and was also named Best Defensive Player at the FIBA Women's World Cup. 

Wilson, the three-time DPOY, remains the league's premier rim protector, leading in blocks at 2.0 per game and in combined steals and blocks. Howard, Reese's own teammate, leads the WNBA in steals at 2.5 per game with three or more steals in 18 games, all while putting together a career year offensively.

The award has traditionally favored elite rim protectors and consistent two-way anchors, with Wilson alone claiming three of the last four. That makes Reese's path different, built more on rebounding dominance and steals than shot-blocking volume, putting her case in direct contrast with the honor's usual profile.

Do you think Reese has done enough this season to overtake Wilson for Defensive Player of the Year? 

Written by

Zaid Quraishi