Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso raised eyebrows this week when she declared Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark “the most promising player” in the WNBA, seemingly overlooking her own talented teammate Angel Reese.
In an interview with NBA Brasil, Cardoso was asked to name the most promising player in the league outside of herself. Without hesitation, the second-year Brazilian center responded with Clark’s name, a move that will surely ignite discussion among WNBA fans.
Kamilla Cardoso names Damiris Dantas among her biggest Brazilian inspirations in her career and calls Caitlin the most promising player in the WNBA pic.twitter.com/5MC15AFdyF
— correlation (@nosyone4) April 30, 2025
Cardoso’s statement, while complimentary to Clark, has understandably sparked debate among Sky fans who champion Reese’s undeniable talent and impact. Reese quickly established herself as a force in the league, not just with her rebounding prowess but also with her scoring ability and tenacious defense. Her consistent double-double performances and leadership on the court were crucial for the Sky.
While Clark’s offensive firepower and playmaking skills are undeniable, Reese’s immediate dominance on the boards and overall impactful presence warranted consideration in any discussion of the league’s most promising young talents.
Whether Cardoso’s comments reflect a genuine admiration for Clark’s game, a strategic move, or simply an oversight remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds an intriguing subplot to the growing careers of these three dynamic WNBA players.
Cardoso’s Words Add New Chapter In Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry
Cardoso’s complimentary words for Clark come despite the well-documented rivalry between Clark and Reese, which dates back to their fiercely competitive college careers. Their on-court battles reached a boiling point in the 2023 NCAA Championship game, where Reese’s LSU Tigers beat Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes.
A memorable moment saw Reese taunt Clark with the “you can’t see me” gesture, which only amplified the perceived tension between the two young stars.
Their final college encounter in the 2024 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight saw Iowa emerge victorious, with Clark putting up a stellar 41-point performance while Reese fouled out with 17 points and 20 rebounds.
Both Clark and Reese transitioned to the WNBA as highly-touted rookies in the 2024 season. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick, averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league leading 8.4 assists for the Fever. Reese, selected seventh overall by the Sky, made an immediate impact with her dominant rebounding, averaging a league-best 13.1 rebounds to go along with 13.6 points per game. Both were named to the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Cardoso’s praise for Clark adds another layer to the dynamic between these rising stars. While Reese put up statistically eye-popping numbers in her rookie campaign, leading the league in rebounding and showing her double-double prowess, Cardoso’s acknowledgement of Clark’s potential speaks volumes about the respect between competitors, even amidst a perceived rivalry with a teammate.
The Sky and Fever are set to reignite their rivalry on May 17th, offering another chapter in the unfolding stories of Clark, Reese, and now, the intriguing dynamic highlighted by Cardoso’s recent comments.