In the electrifying world of the WNBA, where raw talent collides with unyielding ambition, few stories have gripped fans quite like the meteoric rise – and puzzling setbacks – of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. As the 2025 season heats up, ESPN analyst Monica McNutt has ignited a firestorm with her unflinching critique of the league’s All-Star voting process. “If Angel Reese was white, she would clearly have the most votes,” McNutt declared, her words slicing through the noise like a perfectly executed crossover. It’s a bold, unapologetic call that demands a recount, exposing what many see as deep-seated biases in a league finally basking in the spotlight of mainstream adoration.

Reese’s journey this season has been nothing short of phenomenal. Entering her second year after shattering records as a rookie – including the single-season rebounding mark with 446 boards – the 23-year-old phenom has continued to dominate the paint. Averaging a league-leading 12.5 rebounds per game, she’s turned the Chicago Sky into a gritty contender, helping them secure key wins against top teams like the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. Her double-double streaks aren’t just stats; they’re statements of resilience, often clawed from the jaws of defeat. Off the court, Reese’s magnetic personality has exploded her social media following to over 5 million on Instagram and TikTok, turning her into a cultural force. She’s not just playing basketball; she’s redefining what it means to be a star in women’s sports, blending fierce competition with unshakeable confidence.

Yet, despite this dominance, Reese finds herself shockingly ranked 13th in the overall All-Star voting tallies. The numbers tell a tale of disparity: She soared to fifth among frontcourt players in fan votes, amassing over 506,000 passionate tallies from supporters who see her as the heartbeat of the league’s resurgence.

But when media panels and fellow players weighed in – each carrying 25% of the formula – she plummeted to 12th in both categories. It’s a stark contrast to her rival, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who topped the charts with 1.29 million fan votes and earned co-captain status alongside Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier. Clark’s wizardry with assists and long-range bombs has captivated audiences, but Reese’s blue-collar grind – anchoring a Sky squad without the same star-studded support – deserves equal reverence.

McNutt’s comments, delivered with the poise of a veteran broadcaster, echo a broader conversation about equity in sports. The WNBA has seen unprecedented growth this year, with attendance up 20% league-wide and viewership spiking thanks to rookies like Reese and Clark. Yet, whispers of racial undertones persist, especially when Black athletes like Reese, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart grind through scrutiny that their white counterparts often sidestep. Reese’s exclusion from starter status isn’t just a voting quirk; it’s a symptom of how narratives are shaped. Fans flooded social media with outrage, trending hashtags like #LetAngelStart and #ReeseDeservesBetter, while analysts debated whether the process truly measures impact or merely mirrors societal blind spots.

As the All-Star reserves – selected by coaches – loom, Reese’s path forward remains uncertain. But her recent Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor, fueled by a blistering stretch of 15 points and 14 rebounds per outing, underscores her undeniable value. McNutt isn’t calling for pity; she’s demanding justice. In a league where every rebound, every block, every victory counts double for trailblazers like Reese, this controversy could spark real change. Will voters finally see the full picture – stats, heart, and hustle – or will biases continue to bench brilliance? One thing’s clear: Angel Reese isn’t fading quietly. She’s rebounding, rising, and ready to claim what’s hers.