In a fiery segment that’s now making headlines, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took direct aim at WNBA rookie Angel Reese following recent talk that she might be the next Michael Jordan of women’s basketball. Smith didn’t mince words—he dismissed the comparison outright, and in doing so, reignited the ongoing debate about Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and the media narratives surrounding them.

Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, the outspoken commentator said plainly, “She’s not Caitlin Clark,” referencing the Indiana Fever superstar who’s been the face of the league’s surge in popularity this season. Smith acknowledged Reese’s growing fan base and athletic ability but made it clear: calling her the next Michael Jordan is a step too far.

“Angel Reese is talented. She’s tough. She brings energy and grit. But let’s not get carried away,” Smith said. “Michael Jordan? Let’s be real. She’s not even the biggest star in her own rookie class.”

The comment came after Reese appeared in a viral interview suggesting she saw herself as a transcendent figure in the sport, drawing comparisons to some of basketball’s greatest. But Smith wasn’t having it, and instead emphasized how Caitlin Clark’s influence—not just on the court, but across ticket sales, ratings, and fan engagement—has redefined what it means to be a rookie in the WNBA.

“Caitlin Clark fills arenas. She’s pushing the league to places it hasn’t been before,” Smith continued. “Angel Reese brings drama. Caitlin brings results.”

Though blunt, Smith’s critique wasn’t entirely dismissive. He praised Reese for her rebounding dominance—highlighting her historic streak of three consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds—and acknowledged that she’s quickly become a critical part of the Chicago Sky’s identity. But again, he circled back to the comparison at hand.

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“Angel Reese is doing her thing,” he said. “But don’t confuse popularity with greatness. Caitlin Clark is a basketball prodigy. She’s Steph Curry with a step-back. She sees the game on a different level.”

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Smith’s comments reflect a growing divide among fans and analysts over how the two rookie stars are framed. While Reese brings intensity and edge, Clark is praised for her poise and playmaking. Still, some believe the media fuels unnecessary rivalry between them—something Smith himself has warned against in the past. He has publicly denounced the racial undertones in the Clark-Reese discourse and called for both players to be celebrated without pitting them against each other unfairly.

Even so, the message from Smith this week was clear: confidence is good, but self-awareness matters. And when it comes to greatness, comparisons to Michael Jordan should be earned—not claimed.

As the WNBA season heads into its final stretch, both Reese and Clark continue to shape the future of the league. But for now, in Stephen A. Smith’s eyes, the crown belongs to Clark—and Reese still has something to prove.

Angel Reese Blasts America’s “Ridiculous” Obsession With Sydney Sweeney

Angel Reese, the outspoken Chicago Sky forward and one of the WNBA’s most polarizing stars, has never been one to hold back. But her latest comments have sparked a cultural storm, this time colliding with Hollywood starlet Sydney Sweeney. Reese is calling out what she views as America’s “ridiculous” obsession with the actress, and she isn’t mincing words.

In a blunt statement, Reese admitted she’s grown frustrated with Sweeney’s sudden dominance of headlines, red carpets, and social media. *“I hate seeing her everywhere — and the crowds around her,”*

Reese said, blasting what she described as blind worship. She went further, claiming that the same type of hype and public adoration would “never” exist for Black women in the same position.

The remarks immediately set social media ablaze. Within hours, hashtags like #AngelVsSydney and #DoubleStandards were trending on Twitter and TikTok. Supporters of Reese praised her courage for exposing what they believe is a painful truth about racial biases in entertainment and sports. “She’s right.

The media chooses their golden girls, and they’re almost never women who look like Angel,” one fan tweeted. Others posted side-by-side comparisons of Sweeney’s media coverage with that of Reese, pointing out how much more harshly Black women are often judged for their looks, style, or personal choices.

But not everyone was cheering. Critics accused Reese of jealousy and bitterness, arguing that Sydney Sweeney’s success has nothing to do with race and everything to do with talent, charisma, and star power. One comment that gained traction read: *“Sydney worked for her spotlight. Angel Reese shouldn’t tear down another woman just because she doesn’t like the attention she’s getting.”*

The debate reveals a deep cultural divide. Reese has built her reputation on confidence, boldness, and speaking her truth — qualities that have made her both a fan favorite and a lightning rod for criticism.

Ever since her viral “You can’t see me” moment during LSU’s NCAA championship run, Reese has been thrust into the spotlight, celebrated as an icon for some while vilified by others. Now, her willingness to take aim at Hollywood’s sweetheart is only adding fuel to the fire.

Sydney Sweeney, meanwhile, has become one of the most talked-about actresses in America. From her breakout role on *Euphoria* to blockbuster appearances and brand campaigns, she has skyrocketed to A-list status in just a few short years.

Her blonde bombshell image and constant media presence have made her a favorite on magazine covers, talk shows, and red carpets. Reese’s critique touches on a sore point: while Sweeney is adored as a symbol of beauty and success, women of color — particularly Black athletes and entertainers — often don’t receive the same universal praise.

This isn’t the first time Reese has spoken out about disparities. She has repeatedly highlighted how female athletes, especially in the WNBA, are treated compared to their male counterparts. She has also called attention to the double standards that Black women face in sports — from how their confidence is labeled as “arrogance” to how their fashion choices are scrutinized. By tying Sydney Sweeney into the discussion, Reese has pushed those frustrations into Hollywood territory, igniting a crossover debate that is spilling far beyond basketball.

Industry insiders are now watching closely. Some suggest Reese’s comments could spark broader conversations about representation in media and advertising. Others worry it could backfire, painting Reese as divisive rather than as a voice for change. Either way, her statement has people talking — and that’s something Reese seems to thrive on.

As for Sydney Sweeney, the actress has yet to respond publicly. Whether she chooses to ignore the controversy or address it directly could determine how much longer this storm lasts. For now, Reese has made one thing clear: she’s tired of watching America glorify one type of woman while sidelining another.

Love her or hate her, Angel Reese has once again forced the public to look in the mirror — and the fallout from her words is only just beginning.