Angel Reese expressed deep emotion after her brother, Julian Reese, signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards, marking a significant milestone in his basketball career. The Wizards made the signing official recently, adding the former Maryland Terrapin forward to their roster.
Reese, a star player for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, shared the Wizards’ announcement on her Instagram story Saturday, accompanied by a heartfelt message celebrating her brother’s achievement and perseverance.
“My baby brother🥹 I literally cried when I heard the news becasue I know how hard your journey has been! I’m so proud of you & this just the start! TIME FOR WORK BIG BABY!”
?Angel Reese, WNBA Player
“Mommy, both of your kids made it to the League! This is all for you!🥹💘”
?Angel Reese, WNBA Player
Julian Reese declared for the 2025 NBA draft after completing four seasons with the Maryland Terrapins but went undrafted. He then joined the LA Lakers for the NBA Summer League, seeking to prove his value at the professional level.
In October 2025, he secured an Exhibit 10 contract with the Toronto Raptors, which enabled him to play for the Raptors 905 in the NBA G-League. During his time in the G-League, Reese averaged 8.6 points and 7.8 rebounds over 24 games before the Raptors released him.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese has established herself as one of the most influential and recognizable players in the WNBA, contributing significantly to the Chicago Sky’s success and drawing considerable fan attention.
Expectations for Julian Reese’s Role with the Washington Wizards
Julian Reese is poised to fill a supporting role as a big man for the Washington Wizards, similar to how his sister has made an impact in professional basketball. However, with just 24 games remaining in the Wizards’ season, his court time is expected to be limited initially.
Sports Illustrated analyst Owen Jury noted that Reese could become a valuable backup center, providing the team with much-needed depth in the frontcourt.
“Reese likely won’t see the floor much for Washington over the rest of this season, he could provide valuable backup center minutes when the team needs him to,” Jury wrote. “It’s no secret that Washington severely lacks depth at the big spot, oftentimes being forced to run small-ball lineups that push guys out of position and into roles they aren’t comfortable with.”
?Owen Jury, Sports Illustrated
While Reese primarily played as a forward in college, adapting to the center position in the NBA could be crucial for his development. His sister’s experience and guidance may prove helpful as he transitions into this new role.
Broader Implications of the Reese Family’s Achievements
The contract signing highlights a remarkable moment for the Reese family, with both siblings reaching professional basketball leagues. Angel Reese’s emotional reaction underscores the challenges her brother has overcome to attain this opportunity, amplifying the sense of accomplishment.
Julian Reese’s entry into the NBA via a two-way contract allows him to develop while potentially contributing immediately when needed, which could translate into greater chances to prove himself next season. For Angel Reese, this family milestone extends her legacy in professional basketball and serves as inspiration for other athletes navigating difficult paths.
The journey ahead will test Julian’s adaptability in the NBA environment, but his signing signals hope for the Wizards as they address roster demands. Fans and commentators alike will be watching to see how he capitalizes on this opportunity in the months to come.
