Did Angel Reese deserve the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award?

Reese won with 46 of 74 votes. Voters defend her impact on Atlanta's defense. Others favor Williams, question the margin or argue for a shared award with Wilson.

Claim in dispute

Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

Angel Reese wearing an Atlanta Dream uniform in May 2026.
Angel Reese at an Atlanta Dream game on May 9, 2026.

Case period:

Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated

Overview

The WNBA awarded Reese DPOY on October 1 with 46 of 74 votes. Williams received 20 and Wilson four. The league's announcement (opens in a new tab) records the result.

Reese's supporters point to defensive rebounding, versatility and her effect on Atlanta's defense. Williams's case centers on difficult perimeter assignments for Golden State's top-ranked defense. Wilson's case includes league-leading shot blocking and rim protection. The WNBA's candidate analysis (opens in a new tab) describes these different contributions.

The debate preceded the result. Atlanta campaigned for Reese on September 12. Noa Dalzell explained her ballot on September 16, and Nekias Duncan made his case on September 22. In ESPN's September 21 panel, Michael Voepel selected Reese while the other three analysts selected Williams. The Athletic gave Reese its own editorial award, and Reese also won the separate AP defensive award. See Atlanta's campaign (opens in a new tab), Dalzell's ballot explanation (opens in a new tab), Duncan's post (opens in a new tab), ESPN's panel (opens in a new tab), The Athletic's selection (opens in a new tab) and Atlanta's AP announcement (opens in a new tab).

Some views combine support with another preference. Sue Bird (opens in a new tab) leans toward Williams but calls a Reese win deserving. Lindsay Gibbs (opens in a new tab) also favors Williams while recognizing Reese's merit. Jones (opens in a new tab) argues for a shared award. Zaksheske (opens in a new tab) favors Wilson and criticizes Reese's voting margin. His allegation about media motives is not established by the vote count.

The statements cover separate public appearances, including repeat explanations of the same ballot. They are not a poll or a count of independent votes. Team performance with a player on or off the floor can inform an award decision, but it does not isolate that player's contribution from teammates, opponents and lineups.

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Timeline

4 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 16, 2026 to October 1, 2026

  1. September 2026

    3 events

    1. Dalzell explains her Reese ballot

      Reaction

      Noa Dalzell publishes her explanation for selecting Reese and announces the ballot on X.

      [01]I'm voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here's why

      Noa Dalzell explains her ballot, comparing Reese's team impact and rebounding with the contributions of other contenders. The figures reflect the September 16 article.

      I'm voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here's whyBallot explanation and comparisons with alternative candidates
      [02]Dalzell announces her Reese ballot on X

      Dalzell posted before the AP and WNBA award announcements. Her article explains the choice and evaluates other candidates using statistics available at the time.

      Dalzell announces her Reese ballot on XPost 2100265930638938412; author's own text
    2. Duncan argues for Reese

      Reaction

      Nekias Duncan presents his defensive case for Reese on X.

      [03]Duncan makes the defensive case for Reese on X

      Duncan posted his candidate analysis before the award announcement and included a link to The Dunker Spot. He cites defensive activity, assignment difficulty and changes in responsibility in support of Reese.

      Duncan makes the defensive case for Reese on XPost 2102484702988771493; author's own text
    3. Reese wins the AP defensive award

      Source release

      Atlanta announces Reese's AP defensive award, a separate honor from the league award.

      [04]Atlanta Dream announces Angel Reese's AP defensive award

      The team announces the Associated Press defensive award. This honor preceded the separate WNBA award announced on October 1.

  2. October 2026

    1 event

    1. WNBA announces Reese as the winner

      Source release

      The WNBA names Reese its Defensive Player of the Year. Williams finishes second in the vote and Wilson third.

      [05]WNBA names Angel Reese its 2026 Defensive Player of the Year

      The league announces the award and lists votes from a 74-member panel. Reese received 46 votes, Williams 20 and Wilson four.

      WNBA names Angel Reese its 2026 Defensive Player of the Year · WNBAOpening paragraphs and final voting table

Claims

Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.

What's disputed

Arguments

  1. Documented position

    Noa Dalzell and Nekias Duncan argue for Reese.

    Reese's effect on Atlanta's defense

    Dalzell and Duncan support Reese based on defensive rebounding, versatility and team impact. Their case treats ending possessions and handling different defensive responsibilities as contributions that extend beyond blocks.

    Limit of this argument

    Team on/off figures reflect lineups and opponents as well as individual play. The September analyses use different snapshots from the final-season comparison.

    Read sources and related claim

    Related claim

    Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Sources

  1. Editorial analysis

    Williams's perimeter assignments

    The WNBA's candidate analysis describes Williams taking the toughest perimeter assignments for Golden State's leading defense. Giving greater weight to that work supports an argument for choosing Williams.

    Limit of this argument

    A team's defensive rank reflects several players. Perimeter assignments and defensive rebounding address different parts of a possession.

    Read sources and related claim

    Related claim

    Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Sources

  2. Editorial analysis

    Wilson's rim protection

    The WNBA's comparison identifies Wilson as the league's leading shot blocker. Her rim protection offers a different basis for an award judgment from Reese's defensive rebounding.

    Limit of this argument

    Blocks do not capture every defensive action. Their value must be weighed against other responsibilities and how effectively a team ends possessions.

    Read sources and related claim

    Related claim

    Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Sources

Response record

Responses

Latest recorded positions: 17. Dates: September 19, 2026 to October 1, 2026

Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.

16 responses on this page

  1. Dan Falkenheim
    "I voted for Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Falkenheim explains that reviewing defensive possessions led him to favor Reese, while recognizing the strengths of the other candidates.

    Role at the time: Sports Illustrated reporter and awards voter

    Before the statement

    Falkenheim posted after the league announced the award.

    After the statement

    He describes reviewing defensive possessions, acknowledges limits in evaluating defense and recognizes other deserving candidates.

    Falkenheim explains his Reese vote on XPost 2105738089163612550; author's own text

    Why this label?

    Relative to selecting Reese, Falkenheim supports the choice. Acknowledging other deserving candidates and the limits of his evaluation does not create a conflicting position.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  2. Noa Dalzell
    "Well-deserved Defensive Player of the Year honor for Angel Reese"
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Dalzell calls the award deserved and reaffirms her earlier case for Reese.

    Role at the time: WNBA writer and awards voter

    Before the statement

    Dalzell had explained her Reese ballot on September 16.

    After the statement

    The post quotes her earlier ballot explanation and reaffirms it.

    Dalzell calls Reese's award deserved on XPost 2105728249552859179; author's own text

    Why this label?

    Relative to selecting Reese, Dalzell explicitly approves the award. The earlier ballot and later reaction are separate dated developments, although a concise case may display only the later one.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  3. Terrika Foster-Brasby
    "My vote for DPOY went to Angel Reese"
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Foster-Brasby calls Reese's win deserved and discloses her vote for her.

    Role at the time: Basketball broadcaster and awards voter

    Before the statement

    Foster-Brasby quotes the WNBA announcement beneath her own approval of the result.

    After the statement

    Her vote disclosure accompanies her statement that the award was deserved.

    Foster-Brasby approves Reese's win on XPost 2105723375632908339; author's own text

    Why this label?

    Relative to selecting Reese, the author approves the result and identifies her supporting ballot. This is a personal voter statement, not an institutional outlet position.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  4. Khristina Williams
    "I selected Angel Reese on my ballot for DPOY."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Williams discloses her Reese ballot after the league announcement.

    Role at the time: Women's basketball journalist and awards voter

    Before the statement

    The WNBA announced Reese as the winner on October 1.

    After the statement

    Williams reports her own voting choice.

    Williams discloses her Reese ballot on XPost 2105721860545806767; author's own text

    Why this label?

    Relative to selecting Reese, the reported voting action is an explicit endorsement. It is not straight reporting of the league's result.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  5. Atlanta Dream
    "She was right."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Atlanta endorses Reese's win and praises her first season with the team.

    Role at the time: Atlanta Dream official team release

    Before the statement

    The release recalls Reese saying the Defensive Player of the Year was in Atlanta.

    After the statement

    The team agrees with that prediction and describes her defensive contributions.

    Angel Reese Named 2026 WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year · Atlanta DreamOpening endorsement and first-season assessment

    Why this label?

    Atlanta's agreement and evaluation approve Reese's merit, beyond announcing the winner.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  6. Jack Maloney
    "Ultimately, I went with Reese."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Maloney explains why he chose Reese on his official ballot.

    Role at the time: CBS Sports journalist and official awards voter

    Before the statement

    Maloney publishes his full ballot after the September 25 panel.

    After the statement

    He weighs Wilson and Williams, then favors Reese's versatility, rebounding and team impact.

    2026 WNBA awards ballot: Revealing picks for All-WNBA, All-Defensive, Most Improved and moreDefensive Player of the Year section; ballot decision paragraph

    Why this label?

    Maloney reaffirms the same supporting vote in a separate dated article.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

View all 16 responsesShow fewer responses
  1. Edwin Garcia
    "she is already the league’s top defender"
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Garcia calls Reese the league's top defender and supports her for the award.

    Role at the time: Swish Appeal journalist and official awards voter

    Before the statement

    Garcia identifies the article as his official end-of-season ballot.

    After the statement

    He cites defensive metrics, steals and rebounding to explain his choice.

    Why this label?

    Garcia explicitly argues that Reese merits the award.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  2. Jack Maloney
    "I went with Angel Reese for DPOY"
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Maloney selects Reese.

    Role at the time: CBS Sports journalist and official awards voter

    Before the statement

    Maloney identifies the panel picks as aligned with his official ballot.

    After the statement

    He publishes a fuller explanation of that ballot on September 29.

    2026 WNBA awards picks: A'ja Wilson sweeps MVP, experts divided on Angel Reese for top defenderDefensive Player of the Year section; each named analyst's paragraph

    Why this label?

    His stated ballot endorses Reese.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  3. Isabel Gonzalez
    "I chose Angel Reese"
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Gonzalez selects Reese.

    Role at the time: CBS Sports analyst; not an official league voter in 2026

    Before the statement

    Gonzalez presents her preference before the award announcement.

    After the statement

    She separately states on X that she has no official vote this year.

    2026 WNBA awards picks: A'ja Wilson sweeps MVP, experts divided on Angel Reese for top defenderDefensive Player of the Year section; each named analyst's paragraph

    Why this label?

    Her published selection expressly endorses Reese.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  4. Rachel DeMita
    "And so that's why I have her as my defensive player of the year."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    DeMita favors Reese, citing her defense across different matchups and rebounding.

    Role at the time: Sports host presenting a hypothetical awards ballot

    Before the statement

    DeMita says she is explaining how she would vote if she had a ballot.

    After the statement

    She places Wilson second and Williams third in her DPOY discussion.

    If I Had A Vote For WNBA Awards..6:23-8:37; quoted conclusion at 7:55-7:57

    Why this label?

    DeMita explicitly endorses Reese. Her choice is commentary, not an official league ballot.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  5. The Athletic
    "She’s earned The Athletic’s DPOY award"
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    The Athletic judges Reese deserving of its DPOY award.

    Role at the time: The Athletic's institutional editorial account

    Before the statement

    The outlet announces its own award before the official WNBA announcement.

    After the statement

    The selection is an editorial award, separate from the league vote.

    The Athletic selects Reese for its defensive award · The AthleticPost 2103201708566524288; outlet's own award selection

    Why this label?

    The outlet expressly judges Reese deserving.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  6. Nekias Duncan
    "Angel Reese = DPOY."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Duncan supports Reese, citing defensive activity, assignment volume, matchup difficulty, changing responsibilities and team impact.

    Role at the time: Basketball analyst and podcast host

    Before the statement

    Duncan posted his candidate analysis before the award announcement and included a link to The Dunker Spot.

    After the statement

    He cites defensive activity, assignment difficulty and changes in responsibility in support of Reese.

    Duncan makes the defensive case for Reese on XPost 2102484702988771493; author's own text

    Why this label?

    Relative to selecting Reese, Duncan states his preferred winner and provides a substantive case for her. The quoted opener is his evaluation, not an embedded speaker's words.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  7. Michael Voepel
    "Voepel: Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream"
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Voepel selects Reese for DPOY in ESPN's published panel.

    Role at the time: ESPN basketball journalist

    Before the statement

    ESPN's table records each analyst's DPOY choice.

    After the statement

    The other three panelists select Williams; Voepel's own choice remains Reese.

    Tracking WNBA MVP race, awards: Time to vote for the winnersDefensive Player of the Year panel table; Voepel row

    Why this label?

    Voepel's published selection directly endorses Reese.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  8. Karl Smesko
    "I think Angel's case is as good as anyone's."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Smesko argues that Reese deserves the defensive award.

    Role at the time: Atlanta Dream head coach

    Before the statement

    Smesko is asked about Reese's defensive recognition at Atlanta's pregame press conference.

    After the statement

    He discusses advanced statistics and watching defensive play together.

    Why this label?

    Smesko endorses Reese's merit for the award.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  9. Noa Dalzell
    "NEW: I'm voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here's why."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Dalzell announces her Reese ballot and links to her explanation of the choice.

    Role at the time: WNBA writer and awards voter

    Before the statement

    Dalzell posted before the AP and WNBA award announcements.

    After the statement

    Her article explains the choice and evaluates other candidates using statistics available at the time.

    Dalzell announces her Reese ballot on XPost 2100265930638938412; author's own text
    I'm voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here's whyBallot explanation and comparisons with alternative candidates

    Why this label?

    Relative to selecting Reese, Dalzell expressly endorses that choice through her stated ballot. Her consideration of alternatives does not make the endorsement conditional.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

  10. Atlanta Dream
    "Follow the numbers to find your DPOY, All-WNBA, and All-Defense forward."
    Defended or excused

    Responding to: Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Read more

    Atlanta urges award recognition for Reese and points to her defensive statistics.

    Role at the time: Atlanta Dream official team account

    Before the statement

    Atlanta posts its award campaign before the league announcement.

    After the statement

    The post identifies Reese as the forward its opening sentence describes.

    Atlanta Dream campaigns for Reese's defensive award · Atlanta DreamPost 2098887277896429945; first sentence and Reese identification

    Why this label?

    The team endorses Reese for DPOY rather than merely reporting a result.

    This label describes the statement's response within the context above.

Sources

(22)

Official statement

WNBA names Angel Reese its 2026 Defensive Player of the Year

Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs and final voting table

About this source

The league announces the award and lists votes from a 74-member panel. Reese received 46 votes, Williams 20 and Wilson four.

Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Analysis

2026 WNBA awards ballot: Revealing picks for All-WNBA, All-Defensive, Most Improved and more

Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Defensive Player of the Year section; ballot decision paragraph

Excerpt

"Ultimately, I went with Reese."

About this source

Maloney explains his official ballot in a separate article after the September 25 panel. This reaffirms the same vote.

Author
Jack Maloney
Published
Accessed

Original video

If I Had A Vote For WNBA Awards..

If I Had A Vote For WNBA Awards.. (opens in a new tab)6:23-8:37; quoted conclusion at 7:55-7:57

Excerpt

"And so that's why I have her as my defensive player of the year."

About this source

DeMita presents a hypothetical ballot, not an official league vote. She chooses Reese and places Wilson and Williams behind her.

Author
Rachel Annamarie DeMita
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Analysis

Tracking WNBA MVP race, awards: Time to vote for the winners

Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Defensive Player of the Year panel table; Voepel row

Excerpt

"Voepel: Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream"

About this source

Voepel chooses Reese in the panel. The other three analysts choose Williams, who is the panel's overall pick.

Author
Michael Voepel, Alexa Philippou, Kendra Andrews and Kareem Copeland
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Angel Reese Named 2026 WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year

Angel Reese Named 2026 WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year (opens in a new tab) · Atlanta DreamOpening endorsement and first-season assessment
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Opening endorsement and first-season assessment

Excerpt

"She was right."

About this source

Atlanta's release recalls Reese's earlier prediction that the award winner was in Atlanta, then says she was right.

Author
Atlanta Dream
Published
Accessed

Original post

The Athletic selects Reese for its defensive award

The Athletic selects Reese for its defensive award (opens in a new tab) · The AthleticPost 2103201708566524288; outlet's own award selection

Excerpt

"She’s earned The Athletic’s DPOY award"

About this source

The Athletic announces its editorial award for Reese. This is separate from the WNBA's official award.

Author
The Athletic
Published
Accessed

Original post

Atlanta Dream campaigns for Reese's defensive award

Atlanta Dream campaigns for Reese's defensive award (opens in a new tab) · Atlanta DreamPost 2098887277896429945; first sentence and Reese identification

Excerpt

"Follow the numbers to find your DPOY, All-WNBA, and All-Defense forward."

About this source

Atlanta's official account promotes Reese for DPOY, All-WNBA and All-Defense before voting.

Author
Atlanta Dream
Published
Accessed

Original post

Jones calls for a shared Reese and Wilson defensive award

Excerpt

"it should have been at least a #WNBA Co-DPOY for A’Ja Wilson and Angel Reese."

About this source

Jones responds after the league announcement. His own proposal includes Reese and Wilson; the quoted post beneath it belongs to another account.

Author
Andrew Jerell Jones
Published
Accessed

Analysis

2026 WNBA awards: Honors for A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese and Olivia Miles headline official ballot

Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Defensive Player of the Year: Angel Reese; final paragraph

Excerpt

"she is already the league’s top defender"

About this source

Garcia identifies himself as an official WNBA awards voter and explains his Reese ballot.

Author
Edwin Garcia
Published
Accessed

Analysis

2026 WNBA awards picks: A'ja Wilson sweeps MVP, experts divided on Angel Reese for top defender

Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Defensive Player of the Year section; each named analyst's paragraph

Excerpt

"I chose Angel Reese"

About this source

The panel records each analyst's preference. Maloney identifies his official ballot. Gonzalez separately says she has no official vote in 2026.

Author
Jack Maloney, Isabel Gonzalez and Lindsay Gibbs
Published
Accessed

Original video

Jessica Shepard on Playing with Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings' Playoff Push + Sue's MVP Pick

Excerpt

"I might lean a little towards Gabby"

About this source

Bird weighs Williams and Reese before the league announces its award.

Author
Sue Bird
Published
Accessed

Original video

Pregame Sounds: Head Coach Karl Smesko | Atlanta Dream Presser | vs. Chicago Sky | 09.19.26

Excerpt

"I think Angel's case is as good as anyone's."

About this source

Smesko discusses Reese's defensive award case at Atlanta's September 19 pregame press conference.

Author
The Ballers Magazine
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Analysis

Zaksheske's criticism of Reese's award

Zaksheske's criticism of Reese's award (opens in a new tab) · Fox NewsAuthor's conclusion and voting-margin discussion
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Author's conclusion and voting-margin discussion

About this source

Zaksheske favors Wilson and criticizes the vote.

Author
Dan Zaksheske
Published
Accessed

Original post

Falkenheim explains his Reese vote on X

Falkenheim explains his Reese vote on X (opens in a new tab)Post 2105738089163612550; author's own text

About this source

Falkenheim posted after the league announced the award. He describes reviewing defensive possessions, acknowledges limits in evaluating defense and recognizes other deserving candidates.

Author
Dan Falkenheim
Published
Accessed

Original post

Dalzell calls Reese's award deserved on X

Dalzell calls Reese's award deserved on X (opens in a new tab)Post 2105728249552859179; author's own text

About this source

Dalzell had explained her Reese ballot on September 16. The post quotes her earlier ballot explanation and reaffirms it.

Author
Noa Dalzell
Published
Accessed

Original post

Foster-Brasby approves Reese's win on X

Foster-Brasby approves Reese's win on X (opens in a new tab)Post 2105723375632908339; author's own text

About this source

Foster-Brasby quotes the WNBA announcement beneath her own approval of the result. Her vote disclosure accompanies her statement that the award was deserved.

Author
Terrika Foster-Brasby
Published
Accessed

Original post

Williams discloses her Reese ballot on X

Williams discloses her Reese ballot on X (opens in a new tab)Post 2105721860545806767; author's own text

About this source

The WNBA announced Reese as the winner on October 1. Williams reports her own voting choice.

Author
Khristina Williams
Published
Accessed

Original post

Duncan makes the defensive case for Reese on X

About this source

Duncan posted his candidate analysis before the award announcement and included a link to The Dunker Spot. He cites defensive activity, assignment difficulty and changes in responsibility in support of Reese.

Author
Nekias Duncan
Published
Accessed

Original post

Dalzell announces her Reese ballot on X

Dalzell announces her Reese ballot on X (opens in a new tab)Post 2100265930638938412; author's own text

About this source

Dalzell posted before the AP and WNBA award announcements. Her article explains the choice and evaluates other candidates using statistics available at the time.

Author
Noa Dalzell
Published
Accessed

Analysis

I'm voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here's why

I'm voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here's why (opens in a new tab)Ballot explanation and comparisons with alternative candidates
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Ballot explanation and comparisons with alternative candidates

About this source

Noa Dalzell explains her ballot, comparing Reese's team impact and rebounding with the contributions of other contenders. The figures reflect the September 16 article.

Author
Noa Dalzell
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Official statement

Atlanta Dream announces Angel Reese's AP defensive award

Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Opening paragraph

About this source

The team announces the Associated Press defensive award. This honor preceded the separate WNBA award announced on October 1.

Author
Atlanta Dream
Published
Accessed
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)

Analysis

WNBA analysis of the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year candidates

WNBA analysis of the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year candidates (opens in a new tab) · WNBAAngel Reese, Gabby Williams and A'ja Wilson sections
Read source (opens in a new tab)

Relevant passage: Angel Reese, Gabby Williams and A'ja Wilson sections

About this source

Brian Martin compares the defensive contributions of Reese, Williams and Wilson before the league award announcement.

Author
Brian Martin
Published
Accessed

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Cite this record

Publisher
The Dispute Index
Title
Did Angel Reese deserve the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award?
First published
Last updated
Permalink
https://disputeindex.com/cases/angel-reese-2026-wnba-defensive-player-of-the-year

The Dispute Index. "Did Angel Reese deserve the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award?". First published: 2026-10-02. Last updated: 2026-10-02. https://disputeindex.com/cases/angel-reese-2026-wnba-defensive-player-of-the-year