Candace Parker, one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball, recently found herself at the center of an unexpected controversy after placing Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese in the “C” tier during a player-ranking segment with Complex Sports.
The ranking, which has since made waves online, prompted speculation about possible tension between the two athletes, especially given Reese‘s vocal admiration for Parker’s legacy.
Reese, who has been breaking records in her debut WNBA season, including surpassing Parker’s own milestone for most consecutive double-doubles, has previously referred to the three-time WNBA champion as the Greatest of All Time.
Her public reverence for Parker made the “C” tier placement particularly jarring for some fans.
However, Parker has come forward to clarify that her decision was never personal.
Clearing the air: “No hate on Angel Reese”
In a recent appearance on the Good Follow podcast, Parker explained her logic behind the ranking and emphasized that it came purely from an analytical perspective.
“They asked me my opinion on player tiers, and my thing is, if you bring something to argument, bring something else,” Parker said.
“Can she get to player ‘A’ or player ‘S’ or whatever? Yes, she can. Right now, I don’t know if she’s alongside those players. And you’re measuring her against players that have been in the league for years.”
Parker also pushed back against the idea that she was trying to undermine Reese‘s potential or accomplishments.
“I’m willing to debate. I love it. Like, tell me I’m wrong, but bring facts to the table,” she continued.
“And so that’s the biggest thing, there’s no hate on Angel Reese. I love her. She plays for the Chicago Sky, I saw her at my jersey retirement vs. L.A., so it’s nothing like that. I will never attack anyone’s character, I will never attack who they are ever, and I just hope others will do the same.”
Parker had placed veterans A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier in the elite “S” tier, with Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu following in the “A” tier.
Reese, alongside fellow rookie Cameron Brink, landed in the “C” tier-just above the lowest classification.
“I put [Reese] right at that ‘C’ level,” Parker said.
“I think in terms of being above, you have to be able to have the ability to carry your team, be a one or two option. I think Angel Reese is fantastic at her role, which is offensive rebounding. She showed and demonstrated so much growth in that first year.”
Reese has done plenty to show that she’s more than deserving of recognition. Coming off her second WNBA All-Star selection, the 22-year-old has become a statistical marvel.
She’s currently in the midst of her second double-double streak of 10 or more games, the first player in WNBA history to accomplish such a feat twice in one season.
While fans may have interpreted Parker‘s ranking as a snub, the veteran forward has made it clear that her assessment was part of a larger conversation about development and growth, one she hopes includes honest, respectful dialogue.
As Reese continues to dominate and develop her all-around game, it seems only a matter of time before she earns her way into higher tiers, possibly even Parker’s coveted “S” rank.
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