Smesko backs Reese's defensive award case
Karl SmeskoAtlanta Dream head coach
Smesko argues that Reese deserves the defensive award.
Responding to
Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
“I think Angel's case is as good as anyone's.”
Original video
Where this statement fits
Did Angel Reese deserve the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award?
The WNBA named Angel Reese its 2026 Defensive Player of the Year on October 1. She received 46 of 74 votes, ahead of Gabby Williams with 20 and A'ja Wilson with four. Voters defend Reese's impact on Atlanta's defense. Sue Bird and Lindsay Gibbs favor Williams while calling Reese deserving. Dan Zaksheske criticizes the result, and Andrew Jerell Jones argues for a shared Reese and Wilson award.
Source and context
Original video
About this source
Smesko discusses Reese's defensive award case at Atlanta's September 19 pregame press conference.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Smesko is asked about Reese's defensive recognition at Atlanta's pregame press conference.
After the quotation
He discusses advanced statistics and watching defensive play together.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Smesko endorses Reese's merit for the award.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Angel Reese, WNBA
More from this case
Read the full caseZaksheske favors Wilson and criticizes Reese's voting margin
“the best defender in the WNBA as far as I'm concerned”Read statement
Jones calls for a shared Reese and Wilson award
“it should have been at least a #WNBA Co-DPOY for A’Ja Wilson and Angel Reese.”Read statement
Falkenheim explains his Reese vote
“I voted for Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year.”Read statement
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Smesko backs Reese's defensive award case
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/events/4437-smesko-argues-that-reese-deserves-the-defensive-award
Last updated marks the most recent saved version of this published statement.
The Dispute Index. "Smesko backs Reese's defensive award case". First published: 2026-10-02. Last updated: 2026-10-02. https://disputeindex.com/events/4437-smesko-argues-that-reese-deserves-the-defensive-award