Edwin Garcia is a basketball journalist based in Los Angeles. He writes for Silver Screen and Roll and Swish Appeal and publishes the Courtside newsletter.
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: Swish Appeal journalist and official awards voter
Response to this claim
Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
“she is already the league’s top defender”
Garcia explicitly argues that Reese merits the award.
Statement dates: September 26, 2026
