Stephen A. Smith DESTROYS Angel Reese After Her Michael Jordan Comparison: “She’s NO Caitlin Clark!”
When sports commentator J Hill boldly proclaimed that Angel Reese would become “the Michael Jordan of the WNBA,” the basketball world took notice. But no one responded more forcefully than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, whose fiery critique made it clear: Angel Reese’s hype is nowhere near her current production, and she’s not even in the same league as Caitlin Clark.
The controversy began after J Hill’s viral comment, suggesting that by the time Reese retires, she’ll be seen as the WNBA’s Michael Jordan. It was a statement meant to inspire, but it quickly became the spark for a heated debate. Stephen A. Smith, never one to hold back, immediately challenged the comparison. He argued that while Reese’s confidence and charisma have made her a media darling, her on-court performances in the WNBA have been, at best, underwhelming.
Smith’s criticism centered on a recent game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever. While Caitlin Clark was sidelined with an injury, Angel Reese had the perfect opportunity to seize the spotlight. Instead, she managed just four points—a stat line that Smith described as “a cry for help.” Despite grabbing 12 rebounds, Reese looked lost on offense, unable to convert her hustle into points. Smith mocked the idea that rebounds alone could make someone the next Jordan, calling them “participation trophies” when not paired with actual scoring impact.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark, even while injured, continues to command the conversation in women’s basketball. Her playmaking, shooting, and leadership have made her the centerpiece of the WNBA’s narrative. Smith compared Clark’s influence to Steph Curry’s, noting her ability to pull up from anywhere and change the game’s momentum. Even from the bench, Clark’s presence looms large, and her numbers—triple-doubles, assists, clutch threes—are already rewriting the record books.
For Smith, the difference between the two young stars is simple: production. “The WNBA is not a charity,” he said. “You don’t get minutes for memories. You have to earn it.” Smith pointed out that Reese’s highlight reels and social media following can’t mask her lack of offensive development. Fans and analysts alike have noticed that while Reese brings energy and grabs rebounds, her shooting and scoring have not kept pace with the league’s demands.
Smith also addressed the mounting off-court drama. There have been rumors about Reese’s focus, with critics suggesting she spends more time on pregame outfits than on improving her game. Smith didn’t shy away from this, questioning whether Reese’s priorities are in the right place. He noted that inside the Chicago Sky locker room, there must be frustration as teammates watch Reese log heavy minutes without producing. For the front office, it’s a growing concern: they invested in her brand, but the return is not matching the hype.
The rivalry between Reese and Clark has also taken on social and racial dimensions, with both players representing different backgrounds and fan bases. Smith acknowledged these dynamics but insisted that the real issue is performance, not identity. “This isn’t about black and white,” he said. “It’s about who delivers on the court.” In his view, Clark is the clear winner—she impacts games, leads her team, and lives up to the expectations set for a number one pick.
Smith’s critique was not just about this one game or season. He warned that the WNBA is a league that moves on quickly from hype that isn’t backed up by results. If Reese can’t find her offensive rhythm soon, she risks becoming a cautionary tale—a player remembered more for what could have been than for what she actually achieved. “The preseason buzz, NIL deals, and viral moments mean nothing if the box score doesn’t back them up,” Smith said. “Either you contribute, or you’re gone. Simple as that.”
As the league moves forward, the contrast between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark grows sharper. Clark, even while recovering from injury, remains the face of the league and a model of consistent excellence. Reese, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to prove she belongs among the game’s elite. The “Michael Jordan” comparison now looks less like a prophecy and more like a punchline.
In the end, Stephen A. Smith’s message was clear: the WNBA needs players who elevate the game, not just their personal brands. For Angel Reese, the time to deliver is now—or risk being left behind as the league’s next big thing becomes its latest disappointment.
