Angel Reese, a 22-year-old basketball sensation, had an impressive rookie season in the WNBA before a wrist injury sidelined her in early September. Despite her success on the court, including holding the WNBA single-season rebound record at one point, Reese has shifted her focus to building her brand. She launched her own podcast, Unapologetically Angel, even before finishing her rookie season, and continues to release episodes weekly.

Angel Reese turns heads with bold video sporting daring outfit

Her podcast has already sparked several controversies. In the first episode, Reese opened up about the disturbing behavior of fans of rival player Caitlin Clark. She shared that some had sent her death threats and explicit AI-generated images.

In a more recent episode, Reese interviewed Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, which led to backlash from fans of Kelce’s current girlfriend, Taylor Swift. This interview drew the ire of many, causing fans to question her motives off the court.

Budden advises Reese to reconsider her publicity moves

Budden weighed in during a recent episode of his podcast, saying that while Reese’s brand-building is important, she may be pushing too far. “Angel Reese won’t sit her f—-in’ a– down,” Budden said. He suggested that there’s value in stepping back sometimes and taking a break from the constant spotlight. Though his remarks may come off as telling women what to do, Budden clarified, “But I ain’t.”

Budden also made a comparison between Reese and fellow WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark, who won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. While both players are undeniably talented, Budden pointed out how Clark has handled her off-the-court presence differently, focusing more on attending sporting events and keeping a low profile rather than diving into controversial media appearances. “That’s not what Caitlin Clark’s people are saying,” Budden noted, adding that the comparison wasn’t about race but about how they’re being marketed as young stars.

Budden’s message, though direct, seems to stem from a place of concern for Reese, urging her to think strategically about her public image.