While most fans attribute Angel Reese’s potential beef with Caitlin Clark to her lack of recognition in uplifting women’s basketball, Jason Whitlock’s recent ugly tirade against the rookie unveiled a different perspective.
According to the 57-year-old podcaster, the disparity in their skill sets is the root cause of Reese’s perceived dislike for the Indiana Fever guard. Speaking on his podcast, Whitlock started off by criticizing Reese’s playing style to offensive voids, running style, and body language, only to label her as the ‘most overrated athlete’ in all of the sports.”Angel Reese is arguably the most overrated athlete in all of sports. She is as unskilled as any player in the WNBA. She is awkward, look at the way she runs,”
Whitlock said. “She is incredibly unathletic. She has no skill, no postgame.
Candace Parker, I’m sure, watches her and laughs… This woman is a rebounder, and that’s it. She has no other skill, that’s why she hates Caitlin Clark so much.”
Has Angel Reese disappointed in her rookie campaign?
During her two seasons at, Reese showcased her versatility as a two-way threat, averaging 20.8 points on 49.8% shooting from the field, 14.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. These impressive stats raised expectations about Reese’s well-rounded game and ability to dominate the paint using her 6’3″ frame.
However, since making her transition into the WNBA, Angel has struggled to replicate that same dominance from her collegiate basketball days, particularly on the offensive end. In her first 13 games, she averaged 12.1 points on 37.1% shooting from the field. Citing the disparity, Whitlock’s guest, Steve Kim, added to the scathing critique, suggesting that the Maryland native is garnering more attention than her current level of play warrants.
“She basically has the game of Joakim Noah, and she is talked about like she is Derrick Rose,” Kim added. “No disrespect to Joakim Noah, you’re a really good player. Two-time national titlist, my respect to you.”
Does Reese warrant so much hate?
Given Sky’s abysmal 2-8 record in their last 10 games, which has dropped them to the 9th seed, it undoubtedly encouraged naysayers like Jason to target Reese. However, it is worth noting that even the greatest WNBA players have required time to adjust to the league’s demands. In just 13 games, Reese is not only averaging 12.1 points per game, the third-highest scoring average on her team, but her rebounding prowess is also a significant contributor to the Sky’s fifth-best defensive rating in the league.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old ranks fourth in rebounds per game, leads the league in offensive rebounds, and has the fifth-most steals per game. These statistics suggest that, as a newcomer to the WNBA, Reese’s impact is already substantial, and her potential for further growth is indeed promising
