Gilbert Arenas recently stirred controversy by suggesting top WNBA players like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are envious of Angel Reese’s swift achievements, including her signature shoe deal, despite having played fewer than 60 professional games. This claim highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Angel Reese signature shoe controversy within the league.
Since debuting last season, Reese has rapidly gained fan admiration and brought fresh attention to the WNBA, earning significant endorsement opportunities. Most notably, she appeared on the cover of NBA 2K and launched her first signature sneaker with Reebok, milestones that elevate both her brand and the league’s visibility.
Known for outspoken commentary, Arenas voiced his opinions bluntly regarding Reese’s accolades and their reception by established WNBA stars. He questioned whether experienced players who have compiled multiple MVP awards and championships were truly pleased with Reese’s early success.
“You think A’ja Wilson, Stewie, and all the top-tier girls who’ve won MVPs, All-WNBA, All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, championships like Angel Reese getting her first shoe deal?,” Arenas claimed on his No Chill Gil YouTube channel (6:15).
“Her being on McDonald’s ads? Her being on the cover of NBA 2K? You think they’re happy about that?. You think all the Black girls out there that’s been busting their a** for years, you think they’re happy? Did any of them say, ‘Congratulations’? Nope. No, they didn’t,” he added (6:45).
Arenas further speculated that Wilson, a three-time MVP, might harbor private resentment even if she does not express it openly.
“She’s (Wilson)’s a three-time MVP. Like, you don’t think she’s paid her dues? … She might not be publicly hating, but she’s definitely not cheering. (She’s) not happy that one of her own is on the WNBA 2K version . (Not happy) one of her own is getting a signature shoe in her second year, (with) no accolades.”
The remarks caught the attention of notable figures on social media. Corey Gauff, father of tennis star Coco Gauff, responded with frustration, while Sharia Bryant, sister of the late Kobe Bryant, expressed her disagreement through a viral GIF.
“This dude,” wrote Corey Gauff under a High Level Media Sports post.
Arenas Draws Parallel Between Reese, Caitlin Clark and LeBron James’ Early Challenges
In the same discussion, Arenas compared the backlash faced by Angel Reese and fellow rising star Caitlin Clark to the hostility LeBron James encountered when entering the NBA with a record-breaking contract. This analogy frames Reese and Clark’s experiences as part of a broader pattern of resistance to rapid success in professional sports.
“Both (Reese and Caitlin) these girls are hated exactly the same by the rest of the league,” Arenas said (7:50).
“They’re getting things that these girls fought for.. It’s no different when LeBron James came in with $100m. You think them n****s liked LeBron James coming into the NBA? F**k no! $100m you ain’t touch a basketball yet. They hated that man.”
Reese and Clark have contributed significantly to the increased viewership and ticket sales of the WNBA, drawing unprecedented attention to the league. Despite a rivalry traced back to their college playing days, both are carving distinct paths in their burgeoning professional careers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese explained in a TikTok video that she injured her hand after falling during a play. She mentioned there’s a small fracture in her bone. Doctors advised that she could choose between having surgery or not.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Additionally, Reese completed her Interdisciplinary Studies degree at LSU in March 2024. She focused on Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. This means her GPA was at least 2.0, which is needed to graduate.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel inherited her basketball skills from her parents, as both played at college and professional levels.