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.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith's claim that Angel Reese used Caitlin Clark to make a name for herself?
Absolutely
Not at all
Partially true
No opinion
Do you think the 32-year-old star made the right decision by addressing trade rumors?
Absolutely
No way
Time will tell
Not sure
Whats your Perspective on:
Did Angel Reese really use Caitlin Clark to boost her fame, or is Stephen A. Smith off base?
Have an interesting take?
Who would be the best replacement for JJ Redick on ESPN?
Charles Barkley
Shaquille O'Neal
Reggie Miller
Kenny Smith
Who do you think is the bigger draw in basketball right now?
Angel Reese
Caitlin Clark
Michael Jordan
None of the above
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.
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.
Debate
Did Angel Reese really use Caitlin Clark to boost her fame, or is Stephen A. Smith off base?