In July, Angel Reese was announced as one of the cover athletes for NBA 2K26, the latest release of the widely popular basketball video game franchise. When the game publisher revealed the overall ratings for the top WNBA players a week ago, Reese received a 90 rating, placing her lowest among the top ten rated players. This Angel Reese NBA 2K26 rating caught attention not only for its number but also for her unexpected reaction when she was mistakenly told she had a 93 rating.
After sports journalist Andrew Jerrell Jones incorrectly informed Reese that she held a rating of 93, she responded,
“Oh, okay. Does that mean something?”
—Andrew Jerrell Jones, Sports Journalist. When told she ranked in the top 10, Reese replied simply, “Great. Thanks.” This reaction stood out as unusual given her earlier comments describing the honor of being featured on the NBA 2K26 cover as more than a milestone, but rather a special reflection of her journey in basketball.
Details on the Top WNBA Player Ratings in NBA 2K26
Leading the WNBA player ratings in NBA 2K26 was Napheesa Collier, who earned a 98 overall. A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP, and Breanna Stewart from the New York Liberty each received a 97, securing second place. Caitlin Clark, despite battling injuries during the season, was rated the highest among guards with a 96. Other players rated above Reese include Alyssa Thomas (95), Sabrina Ionescu (93), Nneka Ogwumike (92), Satou Sabally (92), and Jonquel Jones (92).
Angel Reese’s Response to Candace Parker’s Player Rankings
Angel Reese’s rankings have also been the subject of discussion outside of NBA 2K26, particularly in comments made by basketball legend Candace Parker during an interview with Complex Sports. Parker categorized Wilson, Collier, and Stewart as tier S superstars, while placing Reese in tier C, near the bottom of the rankings. However, Parker acknowledged Reese’s skill, describing her as
fantastic at her role, which is offensive rebounding.
—Candace Parker, Basketball Legend
Parker assigned Caitlin Clark to tier A, just below the superstar level, noting that Clark could rise further with sustained performance over time. When asked by Andrew Jerrell Jones to comment on Parker’s ranking, Reese chose not to respond.
Significance of the Ratings and What Lies Ahead
The Angel Reese NBA 2K26 rating and the subsequent reactions highlight the complex nature of athlete evaluations in both digital and real-world contexts. While Reese’s rating ranks her lower than some of her peers, her position as a cover athlete reflects her growing influence and recognition in women’s basketball. The differing opinions, including Candace Parker’s tier system, emphasize how player assessments can vary. Looking forward, Reese’s calm and determined demeanor suggests she is focused on continuing to develop her game and making an impact on and off the court.