Angel Reese, a two-time All-Star, expected to be left off the starting lineup but called it "disrespectful" that the Atlanta Dream had no players among the 10 starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, specifically guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. She praised their relentless defense and contributions, crediting them for Atlanta's position in the standings.
Not A Shocker
"I expect to be disrespected," Reese said. "For those two though, I think they work so hard and they put a lot of work in, and the way that they're guarded every game and they [have to] adjust. The reason why we're where we are is because of those two. For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they're not going to say anything. I am."
Atlanta lost 81-76 to Washington on the road Thursday, the same day the league revealed its 10 All-Star starters. The Dream are 12-8, tied for first in the Eastern Conference and 5th overall in the league, just 3.5 games behind the top spot. Not one of their players made the list.
Reese didn't object to anyone on the list. She considered those choices deserved and clarified that her frustration wasn't about a particular name being incorrect. Instead, her issue was that such a successful team lacked its own designated starter. Howard finished fifth among guards, Gray was sixth, and Reese was seventh up front. All three finished one spot short.
"Congrats to the ones that were nominated, they were well-deserved," Reese said. "But it's a very big shocker to see that none of us were starters, especially where we are as a team in the league. I'm sure we're still going to be All-Stars. I have no doubt in my mind that we still will be, but I think it is important to note that none of us were starters on a team that has had so much success this year."
How All-Star Voting Works
Fans account for half the vote, while media and players split the rest. The top four guards and the top six frontcourt players, based on that combined number, get the nod.
Howard was 12th in the league in scoring entering Thursday. Gray was 13th. Both shoot it well from three. Howard and guard Jordin Canada lead the league in steals per game. Reese leads the WNBA in rebounding at 11.6 per game and ranks 24th in scoring at 14.8 points per game. She's one of only two players in the league averaging a double-double, along with Jessica Shepard, who also will not start. Gray and Reese rank 9th and 10th in defensive win shares, with Canada and Howard right behind at 12th and 16th.
Howard's ranking among guards went from 9th in fan voting to 4th with media and 2nd among players. Gray moved from 7th with fans to 8th with media and 6th with players. Reese remained in 6th place regardless of the voter. Caitlin Clark was second among guards in fan balloting, Kelsey Mitchell ranked third, and Aliyah Boston led all frontcourt players.
Voting results for 2026 All-Star starters: pic.twitter.com/ztrznAUkAF
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) July 2, 2026
Next, 12 more roster spots remain to be filled by the league's 15 head coaches. Each one turns in a ballot with three guards, five front court players, and four more at either position, regardless of conference. They can't vote for their own players.
How Much of a Snub Is It?
Reese said she has no doubt Howard, Gray, and she herself all end up as All-Stars once reserves are named. She's mostly avoided reporters the last two seasons, a stretch she called difficult personally, and said breaking that habit now was worth it for teammates who don't usually speak up for themselves. Howard and Gray's play, in her words, is a big reason she signed with Atlanta in the first place and a big reason the team has won as much as it has this season.
"I haven't really said much this year in the media, because honestly it's been tough for me over the last two years," Reese said. "But I feel like it was important for me to speak for my teammates that don't necessarily speak for themselves all the time. I know the work they put in. I know the reason why I'm in Atlanta is because of them. I know that the team success is based off those two as well."
While a strong case can be made for many of the Dream's starters, one factor to consider is that Atlanta's 12-8 record does not stand out among the rest of the league. It's not easy to take someone off that earned it. Minnesota has gone 15-4 without Napheesa Collier. Las Vegas is 14-5. Even Golden State has fewer losses than the Dream. Including the Dream, there are four teams with eight losses as of Friday.
Coaches turn in their ballots this week. The 12 additions to the roster are set to debut on July 7.
