Angel Reese, the LSU star who became a household name following her dominant performances in the NCAA tournament, has recently found herself under scrutiny for reasons unrelated to her basketball skills. Instead of headlines celebrating her achievements on the court, Reese has been making waves for her off-court pursuits: red carpet events, podcast interviews, and a growing social media presence. These public appearances, while fueling her personal brand, have sparked a broader conversation about the priorities of athletes in today’s media-driven world.

While Reese has garnered attention for her brand-building activities during the WNBA offseason, her approach has stood in stark contrast to the more traditional offseason regimen of her counterpart, Caitlyn Clark.

The Iowa star, who has set a new benchmark for success and work ethic, has largely kept her focus on basketball, with social media posts showcasing her relentless training sessions. This juxtaposition between the two players has not gone unnoticed. As Reese’s media presence continues to rise, many fans and analysts have begun questioning her commitment to the game, drawing attention to her choice to prioritize public appearances over rigorous training.

Reese’s offseason has been filled with high-profile engagements, including podcast hosting and attending glamorous events, but it’s her recent remarks about financial disparities in women’s sports that have added another layer of complexity to the debate. In a viral moment, she admitted that the WNBA salary didn’t even cover her rent, openly discussing the financial challenges of being a professional women’s basketball player. While these candid admissions shed light on the economic realities of the league, they also raised concerns about where her focus lies, with some fans feeling that her priorities might be drifting away from basketball itself.

In contrast, Caitlyn Clark has maintained an unwavering commitment to the sport, dedicating herself to refining her skills. Videos and updates shared on her social media show a player who is deeply focused on improvement, whether it’s her shooting accuracy, left-hand drive, or mid-range floater. This disciplined approach has not only built anticipation for her upcoming season but has positioned Clark as a model for what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Sue Bird, one of the most accomplished figures in women’s basketball history, recently offered advice to younger players that carried significant weight. Bird, who has a legacy defined by both on-court excellence and off-court ventures, reminded the next generation that basketball should always remain the core of their careers. In her remarks, she referenced both Clark and Reese, cautioning that while personal branding and media presence are important, they should never overshadow the work required to maintain elite-level performance on the court.

Bird’s comments serve as a timely reminder for athletes like Reese, who have built significant visibility in the media. Her subtle warning emphasizes that in order to sustain long-term success and respect, athletes must strike a delicate balance between fame and athletic dedication. Basketball, Bird argues, is the vehicle that allows players to venture into other areas of influence, but it must always remain the primary focus. This advice seems particularly pointed in light of Reese’s recent off-court activities, which have captured much of the public’s attention while her basketball training has taken a backseat.

The rising tension around Reese’s offseason choices has also led to vocal criticism from influential figures such as Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports. Portnoy openly criticized Reese for her focus on media appearances, arguing that her time would be better spent in the gym preparing for the upcoming season.

Shaquille O’Neal, another high-profile supporter of Reese, surprised many by suggesting that Reese’s current approach to her career might not align with the expectations placed on a player of her caliber. O’Neal compared her to a role player, rather than a superstar, calling into question whether her current priorities would allow her to reach the elite status many expected from her after a standout college career.

These remarks have only intensified the debate around Reese’s career path. On one hand, there are those who admire her charisma, media savvy, and the attention she brings to women’s sports. They argue that her visibility is a necessary force in the fight for equality and recognition in sports, and that by pushing boundaries off the court, she is inspiring a new generation of athletes. On the other hand, there are fans who resonate more with the critiques of figures like Portnoy and Shaq, believing that Reese’s off-court pursuits risk undermining her credibility as an athlete.

In any case, Reese’s choices at this pivotal moment in her career will have long-term implications for both her legacy and the broader discussion about the relationship between fame and athleticism in today’s sports world.

As the WNBA landscape evolves, athletes are increasingly faced with the challenge of balancing the pressures of public life with the demands of their sport. It remains to be seen whether Reese will heed the advice of figures like Bird and shift her focus back to her craft, or if she will continue to build her brand in ways that might not align with the traditional expectations of a professional athlete.

For Caitlyn Clark, the offseason continues to serve as a time for intense personal growth and development. Her focus on basketball, paired with her off-court activities like charity work and connecting with fans, highlights a commitment to both her sport and her broader impact. This balanced approach has not only helped Clark stay at the top of her game but has earned her respect from fans and analysts alike, reinforcing the idea that dedication to improvement should always come first.

The conversation surrounding Angel Reese’s offseason activities highlights a crucial question that will shape the future of women’s sports: can athletes successfully navigate the demands of fame and brand-building without compromising their primary responsibility as competitors?

With the media landscape evolving and the opportunities for athletes expanding, it’s clear that balancing the allure of celebrity with the dedication required to excel in sports is no easy feat. For Reese, the coming months will be critical in determining how she moves forward in her career, and whether she can maintain her place among the elite in women’s basketball.