The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has captivated fans since their college days, but Candace Parker isn’t buying into the comparisons. The WNBA legend recently weighed in on the debate, making it clear that while both players have helped elevate the league’s profile, their games are fundamentally different.
Speaking in an interview with Jemele Hill, Parker pushed back against the narrative that Clark and Reese are the WNBA’s version of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
“Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, it’s like, what are we doing?” Parker said. “They like doing the Magic and Bird comparison, well, they played similar positions. They at least kind of matched up. I’m not falling into that.”
Parker emphasized that Clark and Reese play different roles on the court. Clark, a point guard, is known for her elite shooting and passing, while Reese, a forward, thrives in the paint and rebounding.
“It’s like comparing apples and oranges,” Parker added,
dismissing the idea that their rivalry mirrors past NBA greats.
Despite Parker’s stance, there’s no denying that Clark and Reese have brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. Since entering the WNBA in 2024, both players have been instrumental in boosting viewership and ticket sales. Clark, playing for the Indiana Fever, has been a crowd magnet, selling out arenas across the country. Reese, meanwhile, has established herself as one of the league’s best rebounders, leading the WNBA in boards last season.
However, Parker believes that comparing them oversimplifies their individual strengths.
“I think there are a number of things Angel can improve on, and will improve on, in the situation she’s in,” Parker said. “And I think Caitlin Clark has done that, even in her first year, in terms of being able to be that floor general.”
While Clark and Reese have faced off multiple times—both in college and the WNBA—their rivalry has often been fueled by media narratives rather than direct competition. Their rookie seasons saw Clark lead the league in assists, while Reese dominated in rebounding—further proving Parker’s point that their skill sets don’t directly align.
