Angel Reese has never been one to shy away from bold statements, but her latest comment has set social media ablaze. The Chicago Sky star, known for her confidence and unapologetic attitude, made waves this week after openly embracing comparisons to the greatest basketball player of all time — Michael Jordan.

“Everyone tells me I’m the next Michael Jordan,” Reese said when asked which NBA player best compares to her playing style. Without hesitation, she leaned into the GOAT conversation, signaling that she sees herself not just as a rising star but as a generational talent destined to redefine the WNBA.

The remark immediately exploded online, drawing both praise and criticism. Supporters applauded Reese for her confidence and ambition, calling her self-belief essential in a league still fighting for mainstream recognition. “That’s the mentality you need if you want to be great,” one fan wrote. “MJ didn’t become the GOAT by being humble. Angel’s chasing greatness — and she knows it.”

But others weren’t nearly as impressed. Critics argued that comparing herself to Michael Jordan — a six-time NBA champion and global icon — was premature and even arrogant, given that Reese is still in the early stages of her professional career. “You have to earn that kind of comparison,” one skeptic commented. “MJ changed the game. Angel’s still trying to prove she belongs at the top level.”

Still, there’s no denying that Reese has made an immediate impact on the WNBA. From her dominant rebounding to her fiery competitiveness, she’s shown flashes of the relentless drive that defined Jordan’s legendary career. Her swagger, too, mirrors MJ’s trademark confidence — a quality that has made her one of the most talked-about young stars in the league.

Reese’s self-comparison also reflects a broader shift happening in women’s basketball. As the WNBA gains more visibility and its stars become cultural icons, players are increasingly stepping into the spotlight with the same bravado long celebrated in the men’s game. Reese’s comment, while controversial, fits squarely into that new era — one where female athletes are unapologetically ambitious and unafraid to declare their greatness.

“Why shouldn’t she say it?” one former player noted. “Every generation needs someone who believes they can be the best. Michael Jordan believed it before anyone else did — and now Angel Reese is doing the same.”

Whether or not she lives up to that lofty comparison remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Angel Reese has no plans to dim her confidence. And in a league that thrives on bold personalities and high-stakes rivalries, that fearless self-belief might just be the key to cementing her place among the all-time greats.

For now, the “next Michael Jordan” label will continue to spark heated debate among fans and analysts alike. But if Reese’s early career is any indication, she’s ready to embrace the pressure — and determined to prove that her words are more than just talk.