In a move straight out of the “Wait, what?” playbook, a parody post has set the sports world buzzing. Angel Reese, the rising WNBA sensation, and Ben Simmons, the Brooklyn Nets’ polarizing playmaker, became the unwitting stars of a viral collaboration rumor—thanks to a satirical tweet that fans either laughed at or took way too seriously.
The chaos began when NBACentel, a parody account on X (formerly Twitter), declared that Reese and Simmons would join forces during the offseason to, wait for it, improve her jump shot. If you’re familiar with Simmons’ shooting woes, you’ll understand why this pairing had the internet rolling on the floor. Imagine asking a goldfish to teach a shark how to swim better.
A Viral Circus of Reactions
The satire-fueled frenzy saw fans debating the logistics of this imaginary alliance. Comments ranged from “This is like two amateurs teaching each other to juggle chainsaws” to “If Simmons can teach Reese anything, it’s how to dodge criticism while shooting bricks.”
But not everyone caught on to the joke. Some earnest users, blissfully unaware of the parody, engaged in spirited arguments about how this alleged collaboration could revolutionize both players’ careers. A classic example of the internet being the internet.
The Stats That Matter—Sort Of
Let’s be real for a second. Reese, in her rookie WNBA season, shot a modest 39.1% from the field—solid for a newcomer but with room for improvement. Simmons, on the other hand, is enjoying a 54.4% shooting percentage this season. But before you start thinking he’s Steph Curry reincarnate, remember most of those points come from within sneezing distance of the hoop.
Still, the joke inadvertently shone a spotlight on Reese’s promising future. Known for her dominance on the boards, she’s not just a work-in-progress; she’s a force to be reckoned with—jump shot or no jump shot.
From LSU Royalty to WNBA Stardom
Reese’s journey is already the stuff of basketball lore. After transferring from Maryland to LSU, she led her team to a national championship, putting the “Bayou Barbie” firmly on the map. Her time at LSU wasn’t without its bumps, but Reese made it clear she has no regrets.
“Transferring was scary,” Reese admitted on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel. “But I won a national championship from it. Now I look back and love LSU.”
Her rookie season in the WNBA has shown flashes of brilliance, proving that while Reese is still developing her game, she’s got the tenacity to match her talent. And no, she doesn’t need Ben Simmons—or anyone else—to validate her greatness.
Sports Humor Done Right
The internet thrives on moments like these, blending satire, statistics, and sheer absurdity into a cocktail of viral gold. If nothing else, the story serves as a reminder to take social media with a grain of salt—and maybe a side of popcorn.
As for Reese, she’s gearing up for her sophomore season in the WNBA, determined to shut down critics with her gameplay rather than any hypothetical partnerships. Simmons, on the other hand, might be busy dodging three-point drills.
So, the next time you see a wild story about basketball collaborations, remember: not everything online is a slam dunk of truth.