If I had the opportunity to start a WNBA franchise from scratch and could select any player in the league, my decision would be simple.
I’m taking Angel Reese with the No. 1 overall pick.
Not A’ja Wilson. Not Breanna Stewart. Not Caitlin Clark.
And that’s not a knock on any of those incredible players.
But when you’re building a franchise, you’re not simply looking for someone who can score 25 points per game.
You’re looking for someone who can establish a winning culture, impact every possession, and become the foundation of your organization for the next decade.
And I believe Angel Reese checks every single box.
1. Defense Is the Foundation of Winning Basketball
Here’s my biggest argument for Reese.
She’s already one of the best defensive players in the WNBA.
As the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, Reese has demonstrated that she can impact games without needing the basketball in her hands.
She disrupts passing lanes, battles opposing forwards, protects possessions, and provides the type of defensive versatility every championship contender needs.
And here’s what makes that so valuable.
You can build an offense around multiple players.
But finding a young superstar who establishes your team’s defensive identity is considerably more difficult.
Reese gives you that foundation immediately.
2. She’s the Best Rebounder in Basketball
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t receive nearly enough appreciation.
Rebounding wins games.
And nobody does it better than Angel Reese.
During the 2026 regular season, Reese averaged 12.1 rebounds per game, establishing herself as the league’s premier rebounder.
But this isn’t simply about collecting impressive statistics.
Every offensive rebound creates another scoring opportunity.
Every defensive rebound prevents an opponent from getting a second chance.
And over the course of an entire season, those additional possessions become extremely valuable.
Reese doesn’t just contribute to winning. She creates extra opportunities for her team to win.
That’s exactly the type of player I want leading my franchise.
3. Her Offensive Game Is Still Developing
Here’s what should scare the rest of the WNBA.
Angel Reese is already dominating games, and she hasn’t even reached her offensive ceiling.
We’ve seen the criticism surrounding her finishing ability and outside shooting.
And some of those concerns have been fair.
But look at the development.
Reese recently delivered a historic WNBA Finals performance against Golden State, scoring 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting while grabbing 16 rebounds.
She attacked mismatches, finished through contact, and demonstrated improved offensive confidence.
Now imagine Reese becoming a consistent midrange shooter while maintaining her elite rebounding and defensive production.
We’re talking about a player who could legitimately average 20 points and 12 rebounds while competing for Defensive Player of the Year every season.
That’s not simply an All-Star. That’s an MVP-caliber player.
4. She’s Young Enough to Build Around for a Decade
This is where the franchise-building conversation becomes interesting.
Reese is only 24 years old.
You’re not selecting a player who’s approaching the end of her prime.
You’re getting someone who’s already established herself among the league’s best while still having significant room to improve.
And that’s important.
If I’m starting a franchise, I’m thinking about the next five to ten years.
I’m thinking about roster construction, championship windows, and creating sustained success.
Reese gives an organization the opportunity to build around an elite young player rather than constantly searching for its next cornerstone.
I’ve previously discussed why the Atlanta Dream should hand Reese the keys to the franchise.
And I believe that argument applies to every team in the WNBA.
5. She Has the Star Power to Transform a Franchise
Here’s another factor that matters.
Professional basketball is both a sport and a business.
And Angel Reese is one of the most recognizable athletes in women’s basketball.
She brings attention, passionate fans, media coverage, and a level of excitement that can help an organization grow.
But here’s the difference.
Reese’s popularity is backed by legitimate production on the court.
She’s not simply someone who generates headlines.
She’s an elite rebounder, an award-winning defender, and an improving offensive player.
That’s a rare combination.
My Final Verdict
Would A’ja Wilson be the better choice if I needed to win a championship tomorrow?
There’s certainly a strong argument for that.
But that’s not the question.
The question is who I would select to build a franchise around for the next decade.
And my answer is Angel Reese.
She provides elite defense, historic rebounding production, offensive upside, youth, leadership potential, and enormous star power.
Most importantly, she impacts winning in ways that don’t always appear in the scoring column.
If I’m building a WNBA franchise from scratch, Angel Reese is my clear No. 1 pick.
And I believe the next several seasons will demonstrate exactly why.
