A fan post by an L.A. Clippers supporter, @Jacobtheclipper, sparked a response from former Los Angeles Lakers forward Stanley Johnson. The fan criticized rookie Chicago Sky All-Star power forward Angel Reese, arguing that her double-double stats were misleading and not a true reflection of her skill.
He accused Reese of inflating her rebounding numbers by repeatedly tipping the ball to herself and padding her stats in games that were already decided. The post suggested that this kind of stat-chasing behavior was detrimental to the quality of basketball.
The fan’s criticism focused on Reese’s shooting inefficiency, particularly highlighting her struggles with converting shots close to the basket. Despite her solid averages of 13.5 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, Reese’s shooting percentages were pointed out as problematic.
She was shooting 38.7% from the field overall, with notable struggles from distances of 3-10 feet, where she was hitting just 31.9% of her attempts. This inefficiency became a focal point for the fan’s argument that her stats were misleading.
Stanley Johnson, who has had a diverse NBA career and now plays for Anadolu Efes in Turkey, weighed in on the debate. Johnson, who was once a top lottery pick and has played for multiple NBA teams, including the Lakers, added his voice to the discussion, although the summary doesn’t specify his exact stance.
Johnson’s experience and knowledge of the game add weight to his perspective on Reese’s playing style and the broader issue of how stats are interpreted in basketball.
Angel Reese, a standout from LSU, has become known for her double-double streaks, but her playing style has drawn criticism for lacking finesse. The fan’s post argued that the obsession with achieving double-doubles or triple-doubles has led to a decline in the quality of basketball, as players may focus more on individual stats rather than playing the game the “right way.”
This sentiment reflects a broader debate within the basketball community about the value of certain statistics and how they are achieved.
The exchange highlights ongoing discussions about the value of statistics in basketball and how they reflect a player’s true impact on the game. While Angel Reese’s stats are impressive on paper, the criticism she received underscores the importance of context in evaluating a player’s performance.
Stanley Johnson’s involvement in the conversation, given his professional background, adds another layer of insight to the discussion about the evolving nature of the game and the role of individual achievements within it.
