When WNBA legend Candace Parker appeared on our screens, it was no surprise. After all, she is a public figure, often found in the media spotlight, whether through interviews, brand partnerships, or for her latest podcast. But what followed next took the country by storm. While her appearance at the Complex Sports’ podcast earlier last month was a huge success, it was the tier-based rankings that stirred the pot. And clearly, Angel Reese fans were not amused.

In the debut episode of her Post Moves podcast with co-host Aliyah Boston, Parker disclosed the widespread hatred from fans after she disclosed her honest opinion on players, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Plum, Sabrina Ionescu, Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink, and Angel Reese. And she ranked the players from tier S to E, with S being the topmost rank.

“Then we got Angel Reese. I put her right at that C level,” Parker said during the interview. She further explained her stance on placing Reese at the C rank with Cameron Brink. “I think in terms of being above, you have to be able to have the ability to carry your team, be a 1 or 2 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.”

Needless to say, this incident sparked outrage on social media. Fans came in support of Reese and framed Parker as a hater. But that was not how it ended. Things spiralled further on the internet, especially when people dragged the veteran’s daughter into the controversy. “All these people that are commenting under my daughter’s page about something I said is wild,” Parker shared. “But, I mean a lot of them. It’s like they haven’t even watched the interview.”

Parker opened up during the podcast and revealed that the fans refused to spare her child’s social media accounts as well. It was emphasized that most of them failed to watch the entire video and are misinformed, mainly. She even reinstated her claims, stating that her opinions were based on facts rather than mere bias. “Now, whether you agree with those facts or whether you agree with my opinions, cool. But don’t personally attack and call me something because I have an opinion,” Parker said. “And so that has been something that has been on my mind.”

She directed the conversation towards basketball, pointing out that the discussion should focus on the games. And people can have opinions and judgements. However, the real issue arises when people try to commentate on a game from the perspective of the player’s error; they are then labeled as haters. Moreover, Parker clarified that she had just shared her honest opinion, stating, “I, in no way, shape, or form, am a hater, but what player are you taking Angel Reese over? Of those I just listed,” she asked viewers.

Complimenting the Chicago Sky star on her impeccable rebounding prowess, Candace Parker justified in the interview that the overall ranking was based on the athletes’ ability to carry the team single-handedly. And Reese seemed to lack in that department. Well, she ended the segment with an honest admission: “I think that this is my tier. I’ve had five minutes to think about this. So, all of y’all that are going to go home and write a biography on how wrong this is, you guys can kick rocks. Signing off.”

But in her latest podcast, she directed the question to all those haters who felt that Reese should have been ranked higher. Parker had asked the question again. She asked the fans and viewers to be honest and replace Reese with the top-ranked players. But who will the fans replace her with, since the S-ranked players have been leading the league with their flawless performances? While Reese’s fans come in support of the star, it looks like our Chi-Town Barbie will be cheering for her team too.

Angel Reese to miss the game against the Golden State Valkyries

After being sidelined due to a grueling back injury, Angel Reese made a surprising comeback against the Washington Mystics. As a player with a profound momentum, Reese shocked fans with another double-double for the roster. But while she scored 22 points and 11 rebounds, her locker room drowned with a 103-86 loss.

But before the team could go against the Golden State Valkyries, the official ESPN website had a heartbreaking update on Angel Reese’s injury. “Reese (back) has been ruled out for Friday’s game against Valkyries, Karli Bell of Marquee Sports Network reports,” the website announced. With the player’s back injury returning, she will remain absent from the upcoming game.

Reese has been averaging 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season. Despite the news of her remaining courtside making rounds, Reese is not one of the players to be staying away from the spotlight. After her infamous tweet against the Post Moves podcast, “Clout is one helluva DRUG. Like it gets to a point,” made headlines, the athlete is back.

As brand ambassador of haircare brand Mielle Organics, the Sky forward surprised fans with her new hairstyle. While she flaunted her straight, dual-toned hair on Instagram story, can her team clinch a remarkable victory this time? As the fifth team in the Eastern Conference standings, the Chicago Sky is struggling to navigate through the games.