The past 24 hours had the most heated discourse on the internet surrounding the WNBA. The majority of it revolved, of course, around the rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The credits for the increased response to the league of late, have been up for debate as the latter asserted “it isn’t just one person.” Nonetheless, according to Matt Barnes, “Everything that’s going on in the W(WNBA) I just think overall it’s a good look for women’s basketball.” Speaking of the shift, he couldn’t help but reminisce Magic Johnson – Larry Bird era.

On ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged, joined by Stephen Jackson, the former NBA Champion, iterated that fans should not discourage the history of players who played in the WNBA. “One thing that people have to understand… the homage in the path and those who paved the way,” he said, speaking of the media frenzy surrounding Clark. However, he wouldn’t dismiss the visible impact carried by the rookies.

Upon being asked if Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese remind him of the Magic Johnson Larry Bird era, Barnes answered in the affirmative. He said, “Black Star and a white star. If you remember they say Magic and Bird saved basketball. That was the 34th year of the NBA. With all the greatness that’s happened in the prior 27 years in the WNBA, some people are saying Caitlin Clark and Reese are kind of a new iteration of that.”

Barnes said that there has been a lot of greatness to come before these ladies. But according to him, these young talents are bringing the ‘eyeball and the attention’ to take this game to the next level. Jackson said he agreed with the comparison and added his view on the rivalry.

“Well, you hit it on the nose with the L Bird Magic comparison.” Jackson feels the two rookies are dealing with a lot of stuff that Magic and Larry had to deal with. According to him, there was no hatred between Bird and Magic. But people who choose sides were bitter about the other- something noticeable in the 28th year of the WNBA.

The one-up game by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

The intense battle during the NCAA days was very a clear indicator of their stardom. More so, when Reese and Clark exchanged You can’t see me Cena gestures to each other during the 2023 National championship game. LSU did go on to win the title and Reese had an upper hand in terms of trophies.

However, Clark and Iowa came back stronger as they beat LSU during the Elite Eight contest this year. Meanwhile, the #22 from Iowa broke also all the scoring records in the collegiate career. Ultimately, she lost the championship final and was unable to add the trophy. Leaving those memories behind, nonetheless, Clark became the overall #1 draft pick.

And now,a few games into the season, while the Chicago Sky take the higher spot on the table, Clark has achieved a trophy. The NCAA division I leading scorer was announced as the Rookie of the Month by the WNBA after stellar performances for Indiana.

But away from individual focus, the new class, inclusive of Clark and Reese, among others, have drawn massive television ratings the WNBA. While the debate may persist, the rookie duo will sure be one for the books.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.