Owing to his peculiarities and outrageous demeanor outside of the court, one may overlook the significant role Dennis Rodman played throughout his 14-year NBA career. Even though his picture is prominently displayed in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the five-time NBA champion still does not always receive the credit he deserves for being an X-factor.
His outstanding rebounding, defense, and toughness helped shape Detroit Pistons basketball in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He also made sure that the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, would go on to become one of the best teams in history. Even though many people are more aware of Rodman because of his vibrant hair, wardrobe choices, and nightlife habits, young athletes today should be inspired by his unending drive.
And perhaps it does. One of the WNBA’s emerging talents and most well-liked characters, Angel Reese, is being compared to The Worm.
According to the Marquee Sky X account, Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon commented, “She’s relentless just like {Dennis Rodman} is on the glass.” “However, Angel is Angel, and she’s making her own identity.” As the two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Weatherspoon is no stranger to bringing the heat to the court every night. Reese is performing admirably for Chicago in her rookie year. Like Rodman, in fact, her outspokenness irritates a lot of people, but she is making history and providing her squad with much-needed inspiration.
With Sky, Angel Reese is rapidly exceeding expectations.
The former LSU standout and 2023 national champion broke the previous record for the most straight double-doubles when, in the last seconds of a double-digit victory, the New York Liberty triple-teamed her. The mark stood at 15. Throughout her 23 games this season, she has averaged 13.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, forcing voters to at least think about their choice for Rookie of the Year.
However, Teresa Weatherspoon’s praise of the “relentless” attitude is what is truly drawing the attention of spectators and other players. Even though some claim that Angel Reese is stat-padding, opponents have to always keep an eye on the low post nuisance. Her efforts have kept the Sky (who are now ranked eighth) in the running for the playoffs. They are also giving the 22-year-old a large portion of the limelight.
Undoubtedly, there are drawbacks to her style of play because forwards are expected to shoot higher than 40.2% from the field. Reese has plenty of time to improve her offensive skills and establish herself as a formidable frontcourt player, though. She must continue to exhibit the qualities that made Weatherspoon describe her in the same sentence as Dennis Rodman for the time being.
Chicago anticipates that in the near future, with the Sky dominating the WNBA, the parallel will be fully realized. But the team must continue moving up the ladder before such goals are practically feasible. Tuesday night at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, Reese and company take on the Las Vegas Aces, the two-time defending champions.
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