Dwyane Wade has become the WNBA sensation, Angel Reese’s biggest supporter through her rookie season. The Miami Heat legend is someone who has sharp basketball insights and an understanding of how media narratives can often go the negative route to impact an athlete’s psyche. On his latest appearance on Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, he delved into the public narrative around her, and the harsh criticism she’s getting being one of WNBA’s best rebounders.

Wade feels Reese is adept at rebounding, which often makes critics take a different route than usual when it comes to talking about her, who has already reached an elite level; so much so that they’re making her into a “villainous” figure. “They don’t even have time to figure out like what you doing and why you getting so many rebounds. When I came to Chicago, I was just sitting and watching. I was like, ‘Oh, that’s why she’s so dominant at this,’ and when a player comes in from college or anywhere you want them to at least have a strength in something,” Wade explained on the podcast.

Reese’s powerful performance was impacted due to her wrist injury earlier. Until that point, she was leading the league as far as rebounds were concerned. She even broke the All-Time record for rebounds in a single season, which A’ja Wilson eventually surpassed.  Reese is only the 2nd player to boast of three straight games of 20+ rebounds in the WNBA or the NBA in the last 50 years. And she understands the impact she has on the league. She also understands that this is the prime source of her praise and her criticism.

“Your strength was so strong that it allowed people to now start commenting on the other things you can’t do right,” he continued. 

She is getting constant comparisons with another NBA legend, Dennis Rodman for her skills. Just a few days ago, the rookie was even spotted wearing Rodman’s jersey before a big game day. She admitted that she grew up watching Rodman, and other legendary NBA players. So, it was obvious for her to channel their spirit into her game. 

On the other hand, some critics and netizens claimed that the WNBA rookie was merely rebounding her own missed shots, with others continuing to question her offensive game. While she led the league in offensive rebounds with 5.1 per game, her shooting average of 39% is considerably lower than most forwards/centers.

As we saw, Wade firmly disagreed with these criticisms. So why have people turned her into a “villainous” figure? 

Is Angel Reese a villain in the infamous face-off

It all stems from people’s love for Caitlin Clark. But is it that strong that it’s now overshadowing Reese’s achievements?

The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Reese took off after their face-off in the 2023 National Championship Game. That was perhaps the beginning. Reese’s LSU triumphed over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. However, a small moment in Reese’s celebration sparked controversy. She waved her hand in front of Clark’s face—yes, the popular John Cena move.

The media was quick to highlight this moment and the people on social media went wild. While it helped boost the popularity of women’s college basketball, it also came with a downside. Reese was labeled a “villain” for her celebration, which was called “unsportsmanlike.” At that time, Reese admitted that she didn’t mind being labeled a villain. However, the backlash has grown so strong since she entered the WNBA that it is dangerous.

DWade criticized the media for its lazy and disappointing marketing tactics, pointing out that while rivalries are natural, portraying one athlete as the villain was senseless. “Everyone has their own media that’s on them. Yours went in a direction where they’ve painted you as the bad guy. But those who know you, your true fans, see you as a hero in so many other ways,” Wade pointed out.

Haters or not. Reese shined throughout her first year. She finished the season with 13.6 points per game, shooting 39.1% from the field, 18.8% from three, and 73.6% from the free throw line.

These achievements, and a lot more will be talked about for years to come. But what about the unnecessary hate that comes along with it? Well, that’s something the 22-year-old will have to tune out and focus on her game.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.