A’ja Wilson’s friend, Deloris, has defended Candace Parker amid backlash from Angel Reese’s supporters following Parker’s controversial comments on Reese’s standing in the WNBA. The debate intensified after Parker placed Reese in the “C-tier” of players during a podcast discussion on July 22, questioning whether Reese has reached the elite level of more established stars. This clash sparked heated reactions on social media, centering on Parker’s opinion within the ongoing “A’ja Wilson Candace Parker controversy.”
On the Good Follow podcast, Parker explained her position on Reese’s ranking among league players:
“They asked me my opinion on player tiers, and my thing is, if you bring something to the argument, bring something else. Can she get to player A, or player S, or whatever? Yes, she can. Right now, I don’t know if she’s alongside those players. And you’re measuring her against players that have been in the league for years.”
Parker’s viewpoint reflected the perspective of a seasoned All-Star weighing Reese’s current progression against veteran players. However, Reese’s fans viewed this assessment as unfair, leading to a strong negative response targeted at Parker. The situation was further complicated by a cryptic remark from Reese herself on Tuesday, which many interpreted as fueling the tension:
“clout is one helluva DRUG. like it really gets to a point”
Deloris Highlights Similar Fan Criticism in Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso Case
Amid the uproar on social media platforms like WNBA Twitter, Deloris compared the criticism Parker received from Reese’s fan base to the way some Chicago Sky fans have unfairly scrutinized Kamilla Cardoso. Cardoso, a key frontcourt partner to Reese, often faces criticism for perceived shortcomings despite her talents and contributions. Deloris pointed out this double standard in her comments:
“What yall believe Candace is doing to Angel, is what Sky fans do to Kamilla every game. Pot and kettle”
This analogy called attention to the recurring tension between Sky fans and players, underscoring a pattern of heated criticism aimed at up-and-coming athletes within the team. Deloris’ remarks make clear the parallel she sees between these disputes and the current friction involving Candace Parker’s assessment of Angel Reese.
Deloris Condemns Angel Reese Fans for Misinterpreting Parker’s Intent
Deloris further addressed the backlash in a series of tweets, emphasizing that Parker’s commentary was simply a basketball opinion rather than a personal attack. She cautioned against conflating Parker’s critical basketball evaluation with the harmful racist abuse that Reese has endured, which many fans have rightly condemned. In her pointed message, Deloris wrote:
“So y’all are saying “Candace shouldn’t have a basketball take” because the person she spoke to faces unnecessary criticism from racists… And you feel justified in telling her to stfu because you believe that there is no possible way she should have a different belief than you?”
This tweet highlights the complexity within the ongoing debate and the blurred lines between defending a player from external hatred and acknowledging critical sports analysis. Deloris suggests that the fan base’s protective stance toward Reese has sometimes overlapped with dismissing valid discussions about basketball performance.
Understanding the Broader Implications and Future Dialogue
The clash involving Candace Parker, Angel Reese, and their respective fan bases reflects larger issues within the WNBA community, including player development, fan loyalty, and how criticism is engaged with in modern sports culture. While Parker’s comments question Reese’s current ranking among league elites, the passionate defense from Reese’s supporters reflects their commitment to protecting a young player facing both athletic and personal challenges.
This episode underscores the delicate balance between honest sports commentary and the passionate, sometimes volatile reactions it can provoke on social media. As the season progresses, how players, fans, and analysts navigate such controversies will likely shape public discourse around the league’s evolving dynamics. Given A’ja Wilson’s connection to both players, and Deloris’ vocal defense of Parker, these conversations are expected to remain prominent topics in WNBA circles going forward.