Noa Dalzell is a basketball journalist covering the WNBA for SB Nation and the Boston Celtics for CelticsBlog and CLNS Media. Her reporting includes player features and developments across professional basketball.
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: WNBA writer and awards voter
Response to this claim
Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
“Well-deserved Defensive Player of the Year honor for Angel Reese”
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.
Role at the time: WNBA writer and awards voter
Response to this claim
Angel Reese deserved the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
“NEW: I'm voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here's why.”
Relative to selecting Reese, Dalzell expressly endorses that choice through her stated ballot. Her consideration of alternatives does not make the endorsement conditional.
Statement dates: September 16, 2026 to October 1, 2026
