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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 16: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 16: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Ever since the WNBA tipped off this year, one of the most striking debates is who will claim the Rookie of the Year award this time. While Caitlin Clark has been phenomenal in leading the assists chart, you just can’t downplay Angel Reese, who is on the verge of breaking the most rebounds in a single-season record. And with more than half the season behind us, the ROTY debate is more intense than ever. And of course, Stephen A. Smith gave his insights on the same.
Smith recalled a past event from NCAA as he said on his X, “She (Reese) may have used Caitlin Clark to make a name for herself by waving the way Caitlin Clark used to wave at the opponents when she was smoking them. And Angel Reese did that to her in route to a national championship for LSU, but she showing she ain’t about just the sizzle. She steps on the basketball court and she balls.”
Back in March, Angel Reese made headlines with her hand gestures towards Caitlin Cark when Louisiana State University outclassed Iowa Hawkeyes. Reese taunted Clark with John Cena’s signature “you can’t see me” move and pointed to her ring finger, flaunting her championship ring. While months have passed since then, that remains one of the earliest announcements of the rivalry between these players. It’s also important to note that Caitlin Clark topped the college basketball popularity when she used to play for Iowa.
But, Angel Reese’s rise to fame isn’t just because of that moment with Caitlin Clark. She’s been a standout both on and off the court, with impressive performances and lucrative brand partnerships. And the way her rookie season is progressing is a testament to that as she averages 13.3 points per game in her rookie season. So finally, who did the 56-year-old crown as his ROTY pick?
Stephen A. Smith voices his ROTY pick between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
Recently, the media veteran discussed Angel Reese’s rookie season as he believed that the due credit should be given to the Chicago Sky rookie. “Reese is the only player in WNBA history with 3 consecutive 20 rebound games. I’m talking about Caitlin Clark. I love the sizzle, I love the ball handler, I love the passing ability, I love this shot-making ability. But, let’s give credit where credit is due. Angel Reese is showing she’s no joke either. I think she could win Rookie of the Year,” stated Stephen A. Smith.
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 15: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after a play against the Dallas Wings at the College Park Center on May 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
It was in the game against the Las Vegas Aces where Reese made a whopping 22 rebounds which made her the first-ever player notching 20 plus on boards in three consecutive games. The rookie forward also leads the rebounds tally as she has averaged 12.9 rebounds per game. With a total of 388 rebounds, she just needs to add 17 more to break the rebound record in a season.
Next on the agenda, the Chicago Sky will go head-to-head with the Indiana Fever, giving Angel Reese a prime chance to set a record against her rival, Caitlin Clark. However, while Stephen A. Smith declared Reese his favorite pick for the ROTY, he also reasoned how she has capitalized on Caitlin Clark for her popularity, but that’s not something that can nullify how fantastic of a player she is.
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Debate
Did Angel Reese really use Caitlin Clark to boost her fame, or is Stephen A. Smith off base?