It seems that the brainwashing has finally stopped because Candace Parker has openly stated that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are not on the same level in terms of skill. She expressed her disagreement with Jemele Hill on her own podcast. However, Jason still mocks Candace Parker for mistakenly calling Larry Bird a shooting guard, asserting that she should not be involved in basketball discussions.

Amid ongoing debates about Angel Reese’s impact and standing in the WNBA, basketball legend Candace Parker recently offered a balanced and insightful take on the frequent comparisons between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark—two of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball today.

Candace Parker: “It’s Apples and Oranges”

On a recent broadcast, Candace Parker addressed the growing narrative that pits Reese and Clark against each other. She pointed out that comparing the two is misguided, noting, “It’s like comparing apples and oranges. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese don’t even play the same way.” Parker explained that, while past basketball rivalries such as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird made sense due to their similar positions and styles, the Reese-Clark comparison lacks that foundation.

Parker also acknowledged that both players have areas for improvement, but highlighted Clark’s ability to make her teammates better as a key differentiator. “Yes, Caitlin can shoot from the logo, but she makes her team better,” Parker said. She also noted that Clark’s connection with her teammates, particularly Aaliyah Boston, has improved significantly during her rookie year.

Constructive Criticism and Gendered Double Standards

Parker’s comments were praised by some analysts for bringing common sense to the conversation, but also sparked criticism from others who questioned her basketball expertise. Some commentators argued that Parker was too polite in her assessment, implying that Angel Reese does not elevate her teammates and is difficult to play with—a sentiment that has circulated among basketball insiders.

Despite this, Parker’s remarks were largely seen as a necessary correction to the often sensationalized debate. She reminded viewers that both Clark and Reese are still young players learning and developing, and that turnovers and mistakes are part of the process for any focal point of a team’s offense.

The Larry Bird Controversy

During the discussion, Parker made a passing reference to Larry Bird’s role as a guard, which drew criticism from some commentators who argued that Bird was primarily a forward. While some saw this as a minor misstatement, others used it to question Parker’s credibility as a basketball analyst. However, many defended Parker, noting that Bird’s unique skill set allowed him to facilitate offense much like a guard, even if he played forward positions.

Broader Implications for Women’s Basketball

The debate over Angel Reese’s and Caitlin Clark’s respective impacts reflects larger issues in women’s sports, including media narratives, team dynamics, and the pressures faced by young stars. While Reese has been criticized for her off-court persona and perceived lack of team play, Clark has been praised for her vision and ability to lift those around her.

As the WNBA season continues, these discussions are likely to persist. However, Candace Parker’s nuanced perspective serves as a reminder that comparisons between players should be grounded in basketball reality, not just media hype.