Dan Falkenheim is a reporter and fact checker at Sports Illustrated. He writes about women's basketball and sports analytics and joined the publication in 2018.
Case
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.
Role at the time: Sports Illustrated reporter and awards voter
Response to this claim
Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
“I voted for Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year.”
Relative to selecting Reese, Falkenheim supports the choice. Acknowledging other deserving candidates and the limits of his evaluation does not create a conflicting position.
Statement dates: October 1, 2026
