I’m voting Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, and here’s why

As a media member with the responsibility of voting for the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year award, I find it particularly challenging each season. The task of comparing players who defend differently, such as guards and post players, is made even more complex by the varying strengths and weaknesses of each individual. Moreover, I always take into account the overall team defense, as the impact of a defender's performance can be influenced by the quality of the team they are on.

Despite these considerations, I have chosen to vote for forward Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream as the Defensive Player of the Year. My decision is based on her exceptional performance both on and off the ball. Reese's presence on the court has had a dramatic effect on the Dream's defense, as evidenced by her impressive defensive analytics.

With the best defensive rating differential in the WNBA (-15.1), opponents score 15.1 more points per 100 possessions when she is off the floor compared to when she is on it. Additionally, her opponent effective field goal, true shooting, and two-point percentage differentials are the best in the league, indicating that her on-court presence significantly worsens the opposition's efficiency.

Reese is also a formidable force in generating steals, leading the WNBA in steals per game (1.8). Moreover, her impact on opponents' turnover percentage is substantial, as teams turn the ball over 3.2% more often when she is on the floor. These advanced defensive metrics, combined with her solid rebounding numbers (averaging 12.4 rebounds per game), position Reese as the top defensive player in the WNBA.