Angel Reese is no stranger to the spotlight. From her meteoric rise at LSU to her high-profile transition to the WNBA, she’s captivated fans with her charisma and confidence. But now, she’s drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. A recently leaked workout video intended to showcase her offseason grind has backfired spectacularly—especially when compared to the Indiana Fever’s viral, high-intensity training content featuring Caitlin Clark and company.

In an offseason where every move matters, the contrast between Reese and the Fever couldn’t be more striking. While the Indiana Fever players are going viral for their laser-focused, professionally guided workouts, Reese’s training clip feels more like a PR bandage than a serious basketball blueprint.

The video, shared by Reese’s own media team, shows her practicing long jumpers and casual mid-range shots—oddly reminiscent of Steph Curry’s routine, minus the speed, form, or necessity. For a player who struggled immensely to finish near the rim last season, the footage was immediately met with confusion and criticism. Why is a 6’3” post player, who shot a dismal 44.5% from inside five feet, spending time launching three-pointers?

Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever are putting on a masterclass in offseason development. Their training videos aren’t just racking up views—they’re drawing praise from analysts, coaches, and fans for their substance. Aaliyah Boston is refining post moves and footwork with direct input from player development coach Keith Porter. Lexie Hull is improving her three-point shot and working on screen actions that are clearly designed to sync with Caitlin Clark’s playmaking. This isn’t just content—it’s real preparation, with real purpose.

Every Fever video screams intent. Every drill has a goal. Every rep builds toward a system. It’s not just individual workouts; it’s a championship mindset being shared step-by-step. That clarity stands in sharp contrast to Reese’s leaked video, which seems hastily put together, unfocused, and more concerned with optics than progress.

In fact, many fans weren’t shy about voicing their skepticism. “How come this isn’t coming from the Chicago Sky?” one fan asked. “Why is her PR team the one trying to prove she’s working?” Others pointed out the obvious: there’s no coaching staff in sight, no structured drills, no accountability. Just a camera, a gym, and a few jump shots that don’t reflect what Reese actually needs to fix.

Let’s be clear—Reese is immensely talented and full of potential. But her rookie season exposed significant weaknesses, most notably her finishing efficiency around the rim. Shooting under 45% from within five feet and just 13% from five to nine feet, her interior scoring is not just a concern—it’s a liability. For a post player in today’s WNBA, those numbers are alarming.

And yet, in this viral workout, she’s seen practicing the exact shots she doesn’t take in games. No emphasis on footwork. No contact drills. No advanced finishing. Just awkward long twos and slow set shots. It’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a missed message.

Adding to the dismay, basketball legends like Lisa Leslie and Shaquille O’Neal have already advised Reese to focus on improving her layup mechanics. Leslie even said directly, “The biggest advice I have for you is how you shoot your layups.” So why is she ignoring that in favor of flashy step-back jumpers?

Analysts have pointed out several mechanical flaws in Reese’s form, including a low, chest-level release and crossed wrists during her shooting motion. These aren’t cosmetic issues—they’re fundamental problems that limit her efficiency and increase the risk of blocked shots. And still, there’s no sign of her addressing these in any structured way.

Contrast this with Caitlin Clark, who has been working methodically all offseason. Her workouts include expanding her mid-range game, handling pressure, and finishing through contact—key areas identified from her rookie year. She’s surrounded by trainers, coaches, and teammates all working within a cohesive development system. That’s not promotion. That’s evolution.

Even more striking is how the Fever are turning individual progress into a team-wide upgrade. Veterans like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard are running drills that align with Clark’s passing vision. Sophie Cunningham is fine-tuning her catch-and-shoot mechanics for better spacing. Every player is refining a skill that fits into the bigger puzzle. That’s the kind of development strategy that wins championships—not just clicks.

Meanwhile, Reese’s video feels like a reaction—not a plan. After months of podcast appearances, red carpets, and brand endorsements, it feels like her team suddenly realized the basketball world was watching. And instead of showing deliberate, targeted improvement, they rolled out a half-hearted video meant to quiet criticism.

But the numbers don’t lie. Reese’s rebounding stats are inflated—nearly 40% of her boards came off her own missed shots. That’s not elite rebounding. That’s inefficiency in disguise. In fact, it’s a basketball version of failing upward. If her offseason focus doesn’t shift soon, this trend could seriously damage her long-term trajectory.

The difference between Clark and Reese is now crystal clear. One is building a career. The other is building a brand.

Clark understands the stakes of year two in the WNBA. That’s why she’s tightening her handle, increasing her physical endurance, and preparing to carry her team deeper into the postseason. Reese, on the other hand, risks becoming a cautionary tale—a player with all the tools, but no toolbox.

WNBA veterans like Diana Taurasi didn’t dominate for decades by doing the same thing every summer. They evolved. They adapted. They listened to feedback, even when it wasn’t flattering. Reese still has time to do the same—but only if she starts taking basketball as seriously as she takes exposure.

The Chicago Sky need Angel Reese to be more than a name. They need her to be efficient, tough, and positionally sound. If her offseason continues down this influencer-first, basketball-second path, it won’t matter how many followers she gains. The league will move on. The game always does.

Meanwhile, the Fever are sending a message to the rest of the WNBA. This isn’t just about hype. It’s about building something real. Their videos aren’t just content—they’re proof of purpose. Every player, every drill, every second in the gym is part of a system being fine-tuned for dominance.

So while Angel Reese’s workout video may have gone viral, it went viral for all the wrong reasons. And unless something changes fast, her offseason highlight reel may be remembered as a warning—not a win.