Candace Parker didn’t hold back when asked about the much-debated Angel Reese–Caitlin Clark rivalry.
In a recent appearance on the “Spolitics” podcast with Jemele Hill, Parker — a basketball legend — was asked about the comparisons and growing tension between Reese and Clark. Hill described the back-and-forth as “toxic,” saying what once felt fun had taken a different turn.
Parker didn’t pick sides and stayed clear of feeding into the controversy.
Candace Parker Shares Candid Take on Angel Reese–Caitlin Clark Beef
Both young and on the rise, Indiana Fever’s Clark and Chicago Sky’s Reese were bound to draw comparisons. Their presence has boosted attention around the WNBA, leading many fans to choose favorites.
Parker, however, wasn’t having it. Speaking with Hill, she said:
“I just think that it’s comparing apples and oranges. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, what are we doing? They like doing the Magic [Johnson] and the [Larry] Bird comparison. Well, they played similar positions… I’m not falling into that. I’m not into the comparison.”
Parker said the Magic Johnson–Larry Bird rivalry made more sense because they played similar positions — something that doesn’t apply to Clark and Reese.
She also discussed how both players can grow:
“I think that there are a number of things Angel can improve — will improve — on with the situation that she’s in. And I think Caitlin Clark has done that even in her first year. In terms of being able to be that floor general. Her and Aliyah Boston’s connection has really improved.
“And I think the thing about Caitlin … Yeah, she can shoot from the logo … She makes her team better. So I think just in terms for her, it’s gonna be ‘what are you doing without the ball in your hands’ and I think it’s going to be taking care of the ball for her. Those two things.”
Parker Has Previously Called Out the Media Over the Clark-Reese Controversy
This isn’t the first time Parker — a three-time WNBA champion — has addressed the media’s role in the narrative around Clark and Reese.
In a previous appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Parker said the situation looked more like fierce competition than anything else:
“I think it’s women being competitive, but honestly, I think that the more visibility you get, the more scrutiny you’ll get. Sometimes I think it’s overblown … Sometimes I think that like you’re making a basketball play and then there are 15 angles from different cameras that try to, you know, make it something it’s not.”
While public opinions vary, many fans have echoed Parker’s stance.
As of now, Clark is sidelined with a quad injury. Reese and the Sky are still trying to find their rhythm, sitting 11th in the WNBA standings at 2-5. The Fever are 4-4 and in seventh.
Following Indiana’s dominant 79-52 win over the Sky on June 7, the two teams will meet again on July 27.