Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has delivered impressive performances in the 2025 WNBA season, averaging more than 14 points and 12 rebounds per game. Despite this strong showing, former WNBA champion and Los Angeles Sparks icon Candace Parker recently addressed where Reese ranks among top league players, sparking a heated discussion around the Angel Reese WNBA ranking controversy.

During a recent episode of the Post Moves Podcast, Parker openly compared Reese to several established stars, clarifying her position without casting personal judgment.

Clarifying the Ranking Debate Amidst Rising Talent

On the podcast, Parker was straightforward when asked if she placed Reese above players like Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, or Breanna Stewart. She responded,

Are you taking Angel above Paige [Bueckers], Arike [Ogunbowale], Sabrina [Ionescu], Kelsey [Plum], Caitlin [Clark], A’ja [Wilson], Napheesa [Collier] or Breanna [Stewart]? No,

Parker said.

That does not make her a bad player. That does not make me a hater.

Parker emphasized that her assessment was based on career longevity and accomplishments, noting Reese is still early in her professional journey.

You’re measuring [Reese] against players that have been in the league for years,

Parker explained.

I’m willing to debate, I love it. Tell me I’m wrong … but bring facts to the table. And so that’s the biggest thing — there’s no hate on Angel Reese … I love her, she plays for the Chicago Sky.

Promoting Open Conversations About Women’s Sports

Further expanding on her perspective in a July episode of the Good Follow show, Parker addressed the balance between honest critique and unfair negativity within women’s sports discourse. She remarked,

There’s a difference between hate and holding space for real conversations.Candace Parker & Ros talk Candace’s recent Angel Reese comments, criticism in women’s sports, and why objectivity shouldn’t feel like betrayal.

She also shared her respect for Reese as a person and player, recalling a personal encounter.

I saw her at my jersey retirement … so it’s nothing like that. But I just think it’s so interesting in this female space — the need to have to explain some of these things that you don’t see,

Parker stated.

I will never attack anybody’s character. I will never attack who they are — ever. And I just hope that others will do the same.

Implications for the Ongoing Discussion on Player Rankings

The candor of Parker’s remarks highlights the complex nature of ranking emerging talent against established WNBA stars, especially as Angel Reese continues to develop in her career. This ongoing debate touches on the larger issue of objectivity in women’s professional basketball and the challenges faced when comparing players at different stages.

As Reese’s career progresses, it is likely that conversations about her position among the league’s elite will continue to evolve. Parker’s call for fact-based dialogue without personal attacks sets a tone for respectful, informed debate about talent evaluation in the WNBA moving forward.