Recently, Candace Parker sparked widespread discussion when she placed Chicago Sky star Angel Reese in the C-Tier during a player ranking exercise. This ranking, which unfolded in mid-2025, reignited debate over the Angel Reese tier ranking controversy, drawing sharp reactions from fans and analysts alike. Parker addressed the backlash openly in a podcast conversation with Indiana Fever’s Aliyah Boston, defending her choices amid growing tension in the WNBA community.
Understanding Candace Parker’s Perspective on Reese’s Ranking
The controversy began when Parker, a WNBA legend, was asked to categorize a group of players ranging from stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark to others such as Sabrina Ionescu and Asia Wilson, into tiers from S to E. Angel Reese was assigned to the C-Tier, a decision that instantly unsettled many fans who viewed Reese as deserving of higher recognition. Parker, however, emphasized that her ranking was based on observed performance and statistics across this particular group rather than on popularity.
On the ‘Post Moves’ podcast with Aliyah Boston, Parker explained her reasoning and urged critics to adopt a more analytical approach when evaluating player rankings. She remarked,
“What player (list of players mentioned above) are you taking Angel Reese over, of those that I just listed? We have to come to a place in women’s basketball where we can critique without being a hater.”
—Candace Parker
This statement captured Parker’s desire to separate objective analysis from emotional or fan-driven criticism.
Her defense also echoed her prior calls for honest evaluations in women’s basketball, pushing against what she sees as an overly protective culture fueled partly by misogynistic detractors. Having shared panels with NBA greats Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, Parker is no stranger to public scrutiny, and she seemed resolute in standing by her assessment of Reese based on the parameters she was given.
Examining the Broader Reaction to Parker’s Rankings
The tier ranking breakdown featuring Reese rapidly circulated on social media, where it received much negative feedback. Some fans expressed disbelief that Reese, a standout WNBA player known for her rebounding and physicality, would be placed below other high-profile athletes on the list. Others called for a reconsideration of what makes a player worthy of higher tiers beyond just raw statistics, including factors like hustle and impact on team success.
Nonetheless, supporters of Parker’s approach highlighted that rankings are inherently subjective and that comparing players with varying styles and roles is complex. They argued that Parker’s willingness to openly discuss her thought process and invite constructive criticism could benefit the women’s basketball community overall.
MLB Broadcaster’s Provocative Comments Stoke Further Controversy
Adding fuel to the ongoing debate, Angel Reese became the target of remarks from Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster John Kruk during a recent MLB game broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia. The exchange occurred when play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy mentioned a birthday shoutout to Kruk’s wife and reminisced about Kruk’s basketball abilities. Kruk responded with a pointed comment,
“There’s someone here in Chicago that does that a lot.”
—John Kruk
implying a comparison to Reese’s rebounding habits.
When McCarthy countered that Reese “does get her points,” Kruk quickly retorted, “she gets her rebounds too,” a remark that clearly referenced Reese’s aggressive play style, but in a dismissive tone. This back-and-forth sparked outrage among WNBA fans and observers who saw the comments as disrespectful and unnecessary against a professional athlete actively competing at the highest level.
Angel Reese Responds Assertively to John Kruk’s Remarks
Angel Reese did not stay silent following Kruk’s remarks. Taking to the social media platform X, Reese posted a pointed response without naming anyone specifically, but the implication was clear to most observers. She wrote,
“clout is one helluva DRUG. like it really gets to a point.”
—Angel Reese
This tweet underscored her frustration with attention-seeking or provocative behavior aimed at undermining her reputation.
Reese’s measured yet firm reply was embraced by her supporters, who saw it as a warning against unnecessary criticism meant to derail her career or taint her public image. As the tension between different sports broadcaster communities and athletes grows, this incident highlights the interconnected and sometimes contentious nature of modern sports media coverage.
The Lasting Impact of the Angel Reese Tier Ranking Controversy
The dispute surrounding Angel Reese’s C-Tier ranking, paired with the jab from a baseball broadcaster, demonstrates the ongoing challenges WNBA players face in gaining consistent respect and fair evaluation within the sports world. Candace Parker’s stance pushes for a more candid and less emotionally charged dialogue about women’s basketball talent, while Reese’s response underscores the pressure athletes endure from outside criticism.
As the 2025 WNBA season progresses, this conversation about player rankings, media commentary, and athlete responses is likely to continue influencing public opinion, coverage, and perhaps even the league’s approach to player recognition. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Reese performs on the court and how commentators adjust their perspectives moving forward.