Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese has been named the 2026 WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in franchise history to earn the league’s highest individual defensive honor.
“I have the trophy, but I definitely want Jordin and Rhyne to sign it because I think they deserve it just as much as I do,” said Reese. “I’m grateful for Atlanta, I’m grateful for my teammates and my coaches and all the supporting staff that supports us. This is just the beginning.”
Reese’s recognition caps a historic first season in Atlanta in which she established herself as one of the WNBA’s most impactful defenders, combining elite versatility, activity, and possession-ending rebounding to anchor one of the league’s premier defensive units. Earlier this season, Reese made her case clear: “The Defensive Player of the Year is in Atlanta!”
Reese finished the regular season first in the WNBA in Defensive Win Shares (3.39) while posting a 100.0 defensive rating (4th in the WNBA). Atlanta allowed 7.9 fewer points per 100 possessions with Reese on the floor, the largest defensive on/off differential among Dream rotation players.
Reese’s impact was evident across every defensive measure. She finished the regular season first in the WNBA in Defensive Win Shares (3.39) and fourth in defensive rating (100.0), while Atlanta allowed 7.9 fewer points per 100 possessions with Reese on the floor, the largest defensive on/off differential among Dream rotation players.