Stephen A Smith SLAMS Angel Reese Over Her Michael Jordan Comparison Insisting That She Is Not Caitlin Clark and Will Never Reach That Level

Few names stir debate in the sports world like Stephen A. Smith, and this week the outspoken ESPN analyst once again set social media ablaze. His target? Angel Reese, the rising WNBA star who has become both a lightning rod for controversy and a symbol of the league’s surging popularity. After Reese made headlines with remarks comparing herself to the legendary Michael Jordan, Stephen A. Smith wasted no time firing back, delivering a blistering monologue that left fans buzzing and once again dragged Caitlin Clark into the spotlight.

The Spark That Lit the Fire

Angel Reese has never shied away from bold statements. Since her LSU days, where she won a national championship and became a polarizing figure with her swagger and unapologetic confidence, she has been comfortable playing the villain to Caitlin Clark’s hero in the eyes of many fans. Recently, during a media availability, Reese reportedly hinted that her competitiveness, impact, and ability to draw attention made her the “MJ of the women’s game.”

To her supporters, it was just another example of Reese’s confidence and her refusal to bow to traditional expectations. To her critics, it was over-the-top bravado, especially given her relatively short professional résumé compared to other legends of the game.

Stephen A. Smith’s Explosive Response

On his ESPN platform, Stephen A. Smith took the comments and ran with them, delivering a fiery rebuttal that instantly went viral.

“Hold on a minute,” Smith said, his voice rising with his trademark cadence. “Angel Reese, I respect you. You’re a champion, you’ve done great things, but Michael Jordan? Come on now. Michael Jordan is the standard of standards. And let me be very clear—if we’re talking about the face of the WNBA right now, that’s Caitlin Clark. That’s not Angel Reese. Reese is good, she’s marketable, she’s tough—but she ain’t Clark.”

Smith then doubled down, saying that Clark’s immediate impact on ticket sales, TV ratings, and overall visibility of the league was “something we haven’t seen before in women’s basketball.” He credited Reese for adding to the drama and building storylines but insisted that the superstar status belongs to Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark at the Center Again

What makes this feud particularly explosive is how it once again underscores Caitlin Clark’s gravitational pull in the WNBA. Even when she is not directly involved in a storyline, her name inevitably surfaces as the measuring stick. From media debates to player rivalries, Clark has become the benchmark for stardom in the league.

For Reese, this comparison is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, being pitted against Clark ensures she remains in the conversation. On the other, it positions her as the “challenger” rather than the undisputed face of women’s basketball.

Fan Reactions

As always, social media went into overdrive. Reese’s fans defended her confidence, pointing out that boldness and self-belief are essential to greatness. Clark’s supporters, meanwhile, echoed Stephen A.’s sentiment that the Iowa sharpshooter has done more in a single season than most players accomplish in years.

Clips of Smith’s rant trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram within minutes, with some users accusing him of tearing down women athletes for clicks, while others praised him for “keeping it real.”

The Bigger Picture

This latest dust-up highlights what has become one of the most compelling narratives in sports: the rivalry and contrast between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. One is portrayed as the clean-cut superstar lifting women’s basketball into mainstream prominence, while the other is painted as the outspoken disruptor who refuses to play by the rules. Together, they represent the perfect foil to one another, and every clash—whether on the court or in the media—fuels the league’s growth.

Whether Reese continues to lean into comparisons with legends like Michael Jordan or embraces her unique identity, she has already proven she can command attention. And for Stephen A. Smith, whose brand thrives on bold takes, calling out Reese while elevating Clark ensures that this debate will rage on long after the final buzzer.