Heading into the 2025 season, the Caitlin Clark – Angel Reese narrative has seen a slight shift. Sure, the season opener gave plenty to talk about with the fouls, but the rivalry flame no longer burns. While both the sophomore stars are out nursing their injuries, it is their individual performance and impact on the teams that have taken precedence. Candace Parker, for one, had her take on the young talents, and let’s just say she has earned some admiration for not holding back.

The LA Sparks icon was one of the first ones to dismiss the rivalry this season, saying, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. Given Reese and Clark play different positions, Parker saw no weight in the narrative. Moreover, she believes the Sky forward has a few more things to improve on, and further went on to place her in the ‘C-tier’ bracket on her podcast.

“We have to come to a place in women’s basketball where we can critique without being a hater,” she clarified her take on Post Moves. “I challenge all of you to understand that I am in no way, shape, or form a hater. I am going to be facts on the table… I challenge anybody to tell me what player are you taking Angel Reese over, of those that I just listed?” 

While Reese is definitely a standout player—averaging a league-high 12.5 rebounds per game and previously holding the longest active double-double streak this season before being sidelined—she’s still developing into a complete leader on the court. And people see it, despite the criticism that might arise from the fandom. So following the episode, CBS Sports radio host Robin Lundberg applauded the legend on his own show.