Atlanta Hawks star CJ McCollum has given Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese a new nickname.
Speaking to reporters during a recent media interview, the 2016 NBA Most Improved Player called Reese the “Queen of the South.”
“Not that YouTube TV’s paying me because they’re not, but I watch a lot of [WNBA] games on YouTube TV,” McCollum said. “I watch a lot of the girls. They’re competitive. Obviously, the Atlanta team changed when the Queen of the South got here.”
This latest nickname for Reese fits her geography, since Atlanta is one of the biggest sports cities in the South. Moreover, her collegiate roots at LSU are also tied to the South.
McCollum also said he is happy the Dream is getting attention from fans, which parallels the league’s continued development.
“So happy for her, happy to see them doing well, happy to see the team in the city kind of surrounding them … but happy for their success,” McCollum added. “They’re playing really well, and I think they have a really good chance of winning a championship.
“And I think the W has continued to grow and expand. And I think they’re starting to get the respect and coverage that they deserve, so happy for them.”
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Reese and the Dream are set to face the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA Finals, beginning Saturday at Chase Center.
The 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, who set multiple league records this year, is looking to continue her strong play and potentially win her first WNBA championship.
For his part, McCollum is excited to see the 6-foot-4 forward succeed both on and off the court.
“I look forward to her being able to experience the environment as well, and for her and for a lot of women out there,” he added. “Them being able to see girls compete at a high level, earn equitable wages, and be able to get sponsorships, and seeing that the salaries increase and things like that is something that excites me about sports because I know they work really hard.”
McCollum and the Hawks will open their 2026-27 NBA season against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Kia Center.
