If there’s anyone truly owning the offseason, it’s Angel Reese. The 23-year-old Maryland native is turning into a role model for many. From being the first pro athlete to walk Victoria’s Secret runway to signing a “long-term” deal with the lingerie giant, Reese is on another level. And clearly, the WNBA star isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Her latest cover appearance alongside two NBA faces is also gaining solid traction. But fans? They’ve continued trolling, not taking the news the way she’d expected.

As Angel Reese featured on the cover of NBA 2K26’s special SLAM Edition, she cemented her status as one of the W’s most influential faces in recent times. However, she wasn’t alone on the cover. She shared the space with Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony on issue 259.

Reese previously also appeared on the official 2k26 cover when the game dropped in September. But this time, it’s even more unique: a collaboration between NBA 2K and SLAM Magazine.

The WNBA youngster’s cover appearance comes as recognition of her remarkable season, one that stood out even though the Sky struggled. Her team finished with a 10-34 record, their worst since the franchise’s first season.

But Angel Reese’s numbers told a different story. She averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounds for the second straight year. She also earned her second All-Star nod and recorded 23 double-doubles, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 650 points and 650 rebounds. With achievements like that, her spot on SLAM’s cover was more than deserved, even though some fans don’t see it that way.

Fans evidently struggle to comprehend Angel Reese’s headline-worthy offseason strides

Within minutes of appearing on the cover of NBA 2K26’s special SLAM Edition, Reese, who reposted the news, received several comments. “Respectfully wouldn’t want this game even if it was free,” a netizen wrote. Criticism isn’t new for the Chicago Sky standout, but this time it was more of feedback.

It all comes down to NBA 2K26, featuring three distinct cover athletes across its editions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Standard Edition), Angel Reese (WNBA Edition), and Carmelo Anthony (Superstar Edition). And all of them together on the Leave No Doubt Edition’s cover.

Seeing the three together wasn’t well-received by some fans. A spectator wrote, “These are terrible AI pictures. What are they doing all together? An ex-player, a brick layer, and a flopping fish.”

But of course, their inclusion was intentional. 2K’s VP Ronnie Singh recently said, “[We] left no doubt on those three cover stars.”

Still, the trio didn’t quite click for everyone. “Thank god it’s not them as real people,” one fan joked. And honestly, that’s what makes this work; it belongs in the gaming universe, not on the actual court. Yet, like every story, this one had two sides. Not all fans were against it; some actually loved seeing Angel Reese shine alongside the stars.

As one fan perfectly put it, “Angel having the best offseason and it’s only been about 2 months needs to be studied by everyone who wants to manage athletes.”

Reese has become a role model not only for her fans but for women everywhere who dare to dream big. Even after achieving so much, her hunger to grow hasn’t slowed down one bit. That drive is what keeps landing her groundbreaking opportunities, whether it’s making her feature film debut in A House of Dynamite alongside Oscar-nominated stars like Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson, or becoming the first-ever pro athlete to walk in a VS Fashion Show.

With every bold move, the WNBA ace is raising the bar higher for what fans expect next. “Next stop for Angel better be with the Angel Reese 1’s,” one netizen said. Not a far-fetched request for sure. In fact, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 has been making headlines repeatedly over the last month or two. On the inaugural launch day, they launched the sneakers in three colorways, and they sold out in minutes. Just recently, it happened again!

“SOLD OUT ALL 4 SHOES!!! #thankyaaaaaaa @Reebok,” Reese wrote one X.

Expect to see Angel Reese make many more offseason appearances. She is truly on a roll right now, whether you like it or not.