Karl Smesko
Role at the time: Atlanta Dream head coach
Defended or excused
Response to this claim
Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
“I think Angel's case is as good as anyone's.”
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)Pregame Sounds: Head Coach Karl Smesko | Atlanta Dream Presser | vs. Chicago Sky | 09.19.267:03-9:32; quoted assessment at 8:00-8:04
Smesko discusses Reese's defensive award case at Atlanta's September 19 pregame press conference.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Why we used this label
Smesko endorses Reese's merit for the award.