Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are currently in a race to be this season’s Rookie of the Year, breaking numerous records to stake their claim on the award. However, one social media personality thinks one of them is not on the same level as the other.
When WNBA legend Lisa Leslie opined that both Reese and Clark should receive the award, Barstool Sports founding owner Dave Portnoy had a different opinion.
“I still see people like that tweet from Lisa Leslie being like, ‘They’re both [Rookie of the Year players.]’ They’re not both Rookie of the Years! They’re not and it’s okay,” Portnoy said. “Not everybody is Michael Jordan. Not everyone is Steph Curry. Some people are Andre Drummond. Some people are a poor man’s Dennis Rodman.”
Aug 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks by Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The last part of the comment may be a reference to Reese when she wore a Pistons-era Dennis Rodman jersey for her pregame outfit last Friday before they played against the Fever. Portnoy made a separate reaction to it, saying it was the “best NBA comparison.”
Portnoy continued with his rant, “Why are we talking about Angel Reese, who is a rebounder? She does one thing well, and she does it great. She rebounds, nothing else! She does nothing else! Caitlin Clark does it all. So, why do we keep comparing these two?”
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles alongside Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) against USA Women’s National Team during the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dave Portnoy compares the impact Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark brought to their respective teams
With basketball being a team game, Dave Portnoy asked Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark fans to look at the impact both players have on their respective squads.
Reese and the Chicago Sky are in danger of having their playoff spot taken as they’re currently tied for eighth place with the Atlanta Dream. Meanwhile, Clark and the Fever are on a four-game winning streak, going 6-1 since the season resumed after the Olympics.
Portnoy criticized Reese’s shooting ability. “She can’t shoot a lick. One of the worst shooters in the league, like 30% from a foot out. …(Reese) doesn’t pass,” he said.
“She’s a great rebounder but doesn’t make her team better. The Chicago Sky already have as many losses this year as they did last year. They have gotten significantly worse,” the Barstool Sports owner continued.
The Sky still have eight remaining games to play, four of which are against teams already bound for the playoffs. Depending on how they play their last eight games, Their 11-21 standing can either improve from last year’s record (18-22) or be worse. Those games will also determine if Portnoy is right about his criticisms of the “Chi-Town Barbie.”
Aug 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks by Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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