What's Happening?
NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has expressed his intention to train Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese during the WNBA offseason. Anthony, speaking on his '7 PM in Brooklyn' podcast, stated his desire
to help Reese develop additional dimensions to her game. Reese, who had a historic 2026 season winning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and averaging 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds, led the Dream to the WNBA Finals where they lost in Game 7 to the Golden State Valkyries. Despite her strong performance, her offensive efficiency dropped in the latter part of the Finals, particularly when defenses adjusted to pack the paint. Anthony aims to work on these areas, suggesting he wants to 'bring her back to the trenches' and teach her new offensive moves, including a 'Kareem hook.' Reese has announced a six-month media break to focus on rest and training in Florida, prioritizing on-court growth for the 2027 season.
Why It's Important?
This potential mentorship is significant for Angel Reese's career trajectory and the Atlanta Dream's future competitiveness. Reese, already a dominant defender and rebounder, showed areas for offensive improvement during the 2026 WNBA Finals. Working with a scoring legend like Carmelo Anthony could address these weaknesses, potentially transforming her into a more complete player and a genuine MVP contender. For the Dream, a more offensively versatile Reese would significantly boost their championship aspirations. This development also highlights a growing trend of NBA veterans investing their time and knowledge in the WNBA, signaling increased recognition and support for women's basketball. Such high-profile training could inspire other young WNBA players to seek similar mentorships, elevating the overall skill level and competitiveness of the league.
What's Next?
Angel Reese is currently on a six-month media break, dedicating her time to rest and training in Florida in preparation for the 2027 WNBA season. It remains to be seen if she will accept Carmelo Anthony's offer for a training session. If she does, the collaboration could begin during her offseason training period. Anthony has also expressed a broader ambition to establish his own basketball training academy, indicating a long-term commitment to mentoring young players. Should Reese and Anthony connect, the basketball community will closely watch for any visible improvements in her offensive game during the next WNBA season. Her performance in 2027 will be a key indicator of the effectiveness of any offseason development work.
Beyond the Headlines
The potential collaboration between Carmelo Anthony and Angel Reese extends beyond individual player development; it symbolizes a broader shift in the basketball landscape. It underscores the increasing interconnectedness between the NBA and WNBA, with male legends actively contributing to the growth and skill enhancement of female athletes. This kind of cross-league mentorship can help bridge historical gaps in resources and recognition, fostering a more unified basketball culture. Ethically, it represents a commitment from established stars to 'give back' to the sport, ensuring knowledge transfer across generations and genders. Culturally, it reinforces the idea that excellence in basketball transcends traditional gender lines, promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes. This could set a precedent for more such collaborations, ultimately benefiting the WNBA's talent pool and overall appeal.
