Stephen A. Smith SLAMS Angel Reese Over Michael Jordan Comparison: “She’s No Caitlin Clark!”

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith sparked controversy once again, this time turning his attention to WNBA rookie Angel Reese following remarks that indirectly compared her influence to that of basketball legend Michael Jordan.

During a heated segment on his talk show, Smith didn’t hold back. “Let me be perfectly clear,” he began, voice rising with passion. “Angel Reese is a rising talent. She’s marketable. She’s got personality. But Michael Jordan? Please. Let’s not get carried away.”

The comments came after Reese was quoted in an interview suggesting that her impact on women’s basketball was “cultural, just like MJ’s was to the NBA.” Though she didn’t explicitly state she was the next Jordan, the comparison was enough to ignite a firestorm of opinion — especially from Stephen A.

Smith’s criticism focused less on Reese’s performance and more on the overhyping of young stars. “This isn’t about hating on Angel,” he clarified. “This is about context. Michael Jordan changed the game. He transformed an entire global industry. Angel Reese isn’t even the best rookie in the WNBA right now.”

And then, the jab: “She’s not even Caitlin Clark.”

That name-drop was deliberate — and explosive. Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa standout, has taken the league by storm. Known for her deep threes and high basketball IQ, Clark has been dubbed the “Steph Curry of the WNBA.” Smith made it clear who he thought was the true game-changer.

“Caitlin Clark is the one putting butts in seats,” he continued. “She’s the one breaking TV ratings records. She’s shifting the narrative about women’s basketball in real time. Angel Reese? She’s good, but she’s not there yet.”

Social media erupted instantly. Some fans backed Smith, praising his “real talk” approach and defending the right to call out what they saw as premature praise. Others accused him of unfairly targeting a young Black woman who has helped bring mainstream attention to the women’s game.

Reese herself responded subtly through a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I’m gonna keep being me. Y’all stay mad.” The post was liked over 100,000 times within hours, with supporters flooding the replies with encouragement.

The back-and-forth has reignited debates not just about talent, but about media narratives, race, and gender in sports. Many pointed out that comparisons — whether to Jordan, Curry, or anyone else — can be both flattering and burdensome, especially so early in a player’s career.

Meanwhile, other analysts jumped into the conversation. Former WNBA star and commentator Candace Parker urged caution. “Let these women grow. They’re both phenomenal, but they’re on different paths,” she said on a recent podcast.

As the season progresses, all eyes remain on both Reese and Clark. The two have already faced off in games marked by intensity and drama, their rivalry becoming one of the most watched in recent memory.

Despite the tension, one thing is clear: both players are reshaping the landscape of women’s basketball. Whether you agree with Stephen A. Smith or not, the mere fact that these comparisons are being made at all speaks volumes about the cultural shift happening in the sport.

In the end, the debate may not be about who’s better — but about how women’s sports are finally commanding the respect, attention, and passion long overdue.

As for Stephen A.? He’s not backing down. “I said what I said,” he concluded. “And I’ll say it again — she’s no Caitlin Clark.”