Since the 2023 NCAA National Championship, Angel Reese has encountered persistent criticism despite entering her second year in the WNBA. As the 2025 season began, her initial performances with the Chicago Sky failed to quiet her detractors. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-3 forward has adapted well, excelling in the point forward role as the season has progressed.

Reese’s breakthrough included achieving her first career triple-double and earning Player of the Week honors, along with maintaining a streak of double-doubles. These accomplishments appeared to refute doubts about her offseason development, but not everyone was convinced. WNBA great Candace Parker remained skeptical of Reese’s overall impact on the court.

Candace Parker’s Tier Rankings Stir Controversy

During a recent player ranking discussion, the three-time WNBA champion elevated Caitlin Clark to the A tier, noting her capacity to reach the elite S tier with further growth. In stark contrast, Parker assigned Angel Reese to the C tier. Her reasoning focused on Reese’s impressive rebounding but questioned whether the forward’s performance translated into enough wins for the Chicago Sky.

Parker’s comments provoked backlash among fans and analysts, yet she held firm, clarifying that her critique was focused on Reese’s gameplay rather than personal dislike. This debate intensified after Parker’s latest podcast episode, which many speculate is the trigger behind Reese’s pointed response on social media.

Angel Reese’s Cryptic Social Media Message

Angel Reese posted a terse message on X (formerly Twitter), stating,

“Clout is one helluva DRUG. Like it really gets to a point.”

The concise tweet has been interpreted by some as a reaction to Parker’s viral podcast clip, though Reese did not specify if the message was directed at the WNBA legend. The remark suggests frustration with the attention and criticism swirling around the ongoing debate about her talent and reputation.

Candace Parker Defends Her Criticism of Reese

In response to the tension, Candace Parker reiterated her stance on Angel Reese during the podcast, emphasizing that she is not a detractor by personal bias.

“I in no way or shape or form am a hater. What player are you taking Angel Reese over, of those that I just listed?”

Parker said, challenging listeners to consider Reese’s standing compared to other top players.

Parker’s comments implied that despite Reese’s strengths, the forward’s overall contributions have yet to elevate her beyond the C tier in Parker’s eyes. While she emphasized her critique relates solely to basketball performance, the Maryland native’s reaction indicates she found this evaluation difficult to accept.

Angel Reese Returns from Injury But Sky Struggles Continue

One of Parker’s primary points was that Reese’s performances must translate into team wins to be considered great. Reese missed two recent games due to a back injury; the Chicago Sky traditionally struggle without her presence on the court, particularly because her rebounding ability and interior defense are crucial roles not sufficiently covered by teammates like Kamilla Cardoso.

Upon Reese’s return, she delivered an impressive stat line with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and contributions across assists, steals, and blocks. Despite her strong individual effort, the Sky lost their sixth consecutive game, prolonging a frustrating slump. Last season, the team faced a seven-game losing streak with Reese anchoring the lineup, highlighting ongoing team challenges.

Chicago’s injury-plagued roster complicates attributing blame solely to Reese, yet the team must find ways to compete more effectively against opponents of similar caliber. The continued losses underline the urgent need for improved cohesion and consistent execution.

The Wider Impact of the Reese-Parker Debate

The public clash between Angel Reese and Candace Parker highlights the pressures young athletes like Reese face when navigating professional expectations and media scrutiny. While Parker’s experience shapes her critical perspective, Reese’s responses reflect the frustration of rising stars challenged in the spotlight.

This feud also fuels passionate discussions within the WNBA community about player evaluations, legacy comparisons, and what benchmarks truly define excellence in women’s basketball. How Angel Reese responds going forward could shape her career trajectory and influence perceptions of her value in the league.

As the 2025 season unfolds, observers will be watching whether Reese can continue to develop her game and help the Chicago Sky break free from their losing skid. Meanwhile, the dialogue between two prominent figures remains a focal point, underscoring the intense emotions tied to competition and recognition in professional sports.