A Targeted Intervention for Offensive Growth
Following a narrow 68-63 loss in Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals to the Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese is shifting her focus to individual development. NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has publicly offered to mentor the defensive standout during the current offseason, aiming to help her evolve into a more versatile offensive threat. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Anthony expressed his commitment on the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, stating, “We gon’ get in the gym with Angel. And then we make sure of that.”
The proposed training comes at a critical juncture for Reese, who is coming off a season where she earned WNBA Defensive Player of the Year honors while averaging 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds. Despite her defensive dominance, the championship series against the Valkyries exposed limitations in her offensive repertoire. After a strong start to the series, Reese’s shooting efficiency dipped to 28.1 percent over the final four games as opponents adjusted their defensive schemes, packing the paint to neutralize her interior scoring.
Addressing Finals Shortcomings
The 2026 WNBA Finals highlighted the need for Reese to develop reliable counters to high-pressure defensive coverage. During the final four games of the series, she struggled with ball security, committing 19 turnovers, and was held to single-digit scoring in three of those contests. Anthony, renowned for his scoring versatility and refined mid-range game, specifically identified the need to refine her offensive technical skills. “She gon’ come back next year with the bop bop,” Anthony noted, suggesting that adding a more polished jump shot and mid-range game would make the Dream a more dangerous unit in 2027.
Reese, who recently announced on her private Instagram account that she is taking a media break and pausing her podcast for six months, is currently based in Florida, as noted by ClutchPoints. She has characterized this period as a time to rest, work out, and focus on personal growth, adhering to her postgame mantra of being “delayed, not denied.” While a formal training schedule with Anthony has yet to be finalized, the offer represents a significant opportunity for the third-year forward to bridge the gap between being an elite defensive player and a league-wide MVP contender.