Angel Reese: A PR Stunt or Real Comeback? Analyzing Her Return to the Gym and the WNBA Drama

As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, all eyes are on Angel Reese, particularly after a recently leaked workout video that has fans and critics alike questioning her commitment to improving her game. The video, which shows Reese back in the gym and out of the hand brace she had been wearing for weeks, has sparked a mix of excitement, skepticism, and even mockery among basketball fans. With just a few weeks to go until training camp, the question remains: Is this a genuine attempt at a comeback, or is Reese simply trying to get the public to believe she’s working hard?

The Wrist Injury: Real or a PR Stunt?

Angel Reese’s wrist injury has been a topic of intense scrutiny ever since she was ruled out for the final weekend of the Unrivaled tournament. During that time, she was seen wearing a hand brace in all public appearances, which led to speculation about whether she was actually recovering or simply trying to generate attention. Some fans even suggested that the injury was exaggerated, pointing to moments during games where Reese appeared to fake the extent of her injury. Despite these criticisms, Reese has now returned to training with the brace removed, raising questions about whether she was ever really injured or if this was all part of a larger PR strategy to maintain relevance during the off-season.

Reese’s critics argue that her constant need for attention is overshadowing the actual work that needs to be done on the court. For instance, while her wrist injury has been a central talking point, there has been little evidence of her improving her fundamental skills—skills that are crucial for success in the WNBA. As training camp approaches, fans and analysts are left wondering if Reese’s gym appearances are more about creating a spectacle than about true progress.

The Gym Sessions: Flashing the Public Eye or Real Progress?

In recent weeks, Reese’s gym videos have become the talk of the basketball world. But one thing is noticeably absent from these clips—layups. Fans are puzzled by Reese’s inability to execute even the most basic of basketball moves. Layups, the simplest shots in basketball, are a skill that even high school players can execute with consistency. Yet, in her workout video, Reese can be seen missing these shots in an almost comical fashion. These missed layups raise a critical question: How can Reese expect to perform at a high level in the WNBA if she can’t even master the basics?

One might expect that a player with the kind of star power Reese has would spend significant time perfecting her inside game, especially given her struggles in that area during games. But instead of working on finishing around the rim and improving her layup technique, Reese seems to be focusing on more complex shots like jumpers and step-backs. This is troubling, especially given how much her fundamentals have been criticized over the past season. Her shot release, for example, is sluggish, and her form is often awkward, leaving many to question whether she is truly putting in the work to address these issues.

Caitlyn Clark: The Quiet Worker vs. Angel Reese’s Drama

In stark contrast to Reese’s gym spectacles, Caitlyn Clark is rarely seen in the gym spotlight. Clark, who has been a standout in both the NCAA and the WNBA, is known for her consistent and quiet work ethic. Unlike Reese, Clark doesn’t need to stage her training sessions for the public; she lets her game do the talking. This difference in approach highlights the underlying problem with Reese’s narrative. While she seems to thrive on the attention her gym sessions bring, Clark is out there every day, putting in the work without making a spectacle of it. This stark contrast begs the question: Is Reese genuinely focused on improving her skills, or is she simply trying to keep her name in the media cycle?

Clark’s leadership on the court has been well-documented. She elevates her teammates with her passing, scoring, and basketball IQ. In contrast, when Reese is on the floor, her style of play often leads to frustration. Her tendency to dominate possessions, refuse to pass to open teammates, and force bad shots disrupts the team’s flow. This is one reason why, according to some critics, the team performed better when Reese was out with her injury. Her absence allowed the team to play more fluidly, with the ball moving quicker and players stepping up to contribute. When Reese returns to the court, it’s as though the offense stagnates.

Is Angel Reese Really Serious About Her Comeback?

With training camp rapidly approaching, Reese’s recent workout footage raises even more questions about her future in the league. After weeks of public scrutiny regarding her injury, and despite her recent attempts to show she’s “back in the gym,” one can’t help but wonder if Reese is simply playing catch-up. While players like Clark have been continuously working to improve, Reese’s sporadic gym appearances make it unclear whether she’s truly committed to improving her craft or just trying to make up for lost time.

Critics argue that Reese needs to stop focusing on the theatrics and concentrate on improving her game. She’s been criticized for neglecting her inside game, particularly when it comes to finishing around the rim. Layups, which should be second nature for a player of her caliber, continue to be a major weakness. This flaw has been evident for some time, and instead of working on her fundamentals, Reese appears to be more focused on expanding her game to include more advanced moves, like shooting from distance. While expanding her range is important, it’s crucial that Reese first solidifies her foundational skills before moving on to more complex aspects of her game.

The Clock Is Ticking: Will Angel Reese Be Ready for 2025?

With just weeks to go before training camp begins, the clock is ticking for Angel Reese to prove that she can return to her former strength. Her efforts in the gym will be put to the test when the season kicks off. But the real question remains: Can Reese get back to her top form, or will this be another case of a player struggling to catch up with the competition?

As it stands, it seems that Angel Reese is in a race against time. With players like Caitlyn Clark continuing to dominate through consistent work and dedication, Reese must prove that she is more than just a headline. If she’s serious about returning to her peak performance, she’ll need to focus on the basics, improve her fundamentals, and stop trying to be the center of attention. Otherwise, her comeback may be nothing more than a spectacle that fails to make a real impact when it matters most.

Conclusion

As Angel Reese continues to train and prepare for the 2025 WNBA season, fans and critics alike are left with more questions than answers. Is she really committed to improving her game, or is she simply trying to regain the spotlight? While her recent gym videos may have sparked a frenzy, only time will tell if her efforts will lead to real progress or if they’re just another attempt to stay relevant in the public eye. As the season approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if Reese can prove the doubters wrong and return to her former glory.