In a declaration that has sent seismic waves through the professional basketball community, renowned sports journalist and commentator Jemele Hill recently ignited a fervent debate by asserting that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is the “Michael Jordan of the WNBA,” further claiming she has already “surpassed” Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Hill’s audacious statement, made during a recent podcast appearance, has rapidly become one of the most polarizing and widely discussed takes in basketball this year, setting social media ablaze and prompting fans and analysts alike to scrutinize its implications for the future of women’s basketball and the burgeoning rivalry between its two most prominent young stars.

Jemele Hill’s provocative comparison touches on the very essence of the WNBA’s evolving narrative, intertwining the individual trajectories of Reese and Clark, both drafted in 2024, with the league’s burgeoning popularity and its quest for global recognition.

Angel Reese: The “Game-Changer” Impact

Angel Reese, the dynamic power forward for the Chicago Sky and a collegiate standout from LSU, has consistently been one of the most talked-about athletes in recent memory. Known for her relentless motor, formidable interior presence, and exceptional rebounding ability, Reese made an immediate impact in her rookie WNBA season. She was selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft and quickly established herself as an All-Rookie team member and a 2024 WNBA All-Star. Reese even broke the WNBA’s single-season rebounding record with 446 total rebounds (13.1 RPG) and holds the longest double-double streak by a rookie (15). In her second season (2025), she has continued her impressive performance, already recording a triple-double and becoming the fastest player (38 games) to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds. Her 2025 season averages stand at 13.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

Hill’s bold comparison of Reese to Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest player in NBA history, aims to highlight what she perceives as Reese’s immense transformative potential for the WNBA. Just as Jordan revolutionized the NBA in the 1990s, Hill posits that Reese possesses a similar capacity to redefine what dominance looks like in women’s professional basketball. “She’s not just a player; she’s a game-changer,” Hill remarked on the podcast. “We are witnessing a future superstar in the making, someone who could redefine what it means to be a dominant player in women’s basketball.”

Reese’s standout performances, characterized by her physicality, versatility, and knack for clutch plays, have garnered significant attention. Her ability to consistently deliver impressive numbers in scoring, rebounding, and defense, combined with an undeniable swagger and leadership, has solidified her status as one of the most exciting young talents to enter the WNBA in recent memory. Hill’s audacious declaration, while certainly controversial, underscores the massive hype and future expectations surrounding Reese’s career trajectory as she continues to mature at the professional level.

Caitlin Clark: The Unquestioned Scoring Phenom

Conversely, Caitlin Clark, the electric point guard for the Indiana Fever, has already firmly cemented her legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history. Drafted first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark immediately became a central figure in the league’s surging popularity. In her rookie WNBA season, she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, leading the league in assists, earning Rookie of the Year, and being named to the All-WNBA First Team and a WNBA All-Star. Her impact on women’s professional basketball cannot be overstated; her remarkable long-range shooting, creative playmaking, and high basketball IQ have drawn widespread comparisons to NBA icons like Stephen Curry for her unparalleled shooting range. Clark has captivated audiences globally with her fearless style of play and her unique ability to single-handedly take over games. In her second season (2025), despite battling injuries that have limited her appearances, she is averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.

The burgeoning WNBA rivalry between Reese and Clark has been a central storyline, stemming from their memorable clashes in college basketball. Their on-court confrontations have produced numerous highlight-reel moments, with Clark often viewed as the more polished and statistically dominant offensive force at this stage of their respective careers. However, Hill’s recent commentary suggests a belief that Reese is on the precipice of surpassing Clark in terms of overall impact, a claim that directly challenges the prevailing narrative.

The Debate: Is Hill’s Take Too Bold?

Jemele Hill’s comments have predictably sparked an immediate and passionate backlash, with a significant portion of fans and analysts vociferously disagreeing with her assessment. The comparison of Angel Reese to Michael Jordan, in particular, has drawn the most intense criticism. Jordan’s unparalleled success and transformative influence on the NBA are often considered insurmountable benchmarks, and Reese, despite her impressive start, is still in the nascent stages of her professional career. Many argue that Hill’s take is not only premature but also dismissive of Clark’s established dominance.

“Caitlin Clark is already rewriting the record books,” one fan tweeted, reflecting a common sentiment. “To say someone is already surpassing her is a huge leap. Let’s see how Reese performs when she hits the WNBA level before making such bold predictions.” This perspective underscores the tangible statistical achievements and undeniable market impact Clark has already demonstrated in her brief WNBA career, even while battling injuries in her second season.

However, others have come to Hill’s defense, acknowledging the immense potential that Angel Reese brings to the game and suggesting that she very well could become the future face of the WNBA. “Reese has the tools to be better than Clark,” another fan countered. “She’s got the size, the skill, and the mentality to dominate at the next level.” This viewpoint often emphasizes Reese’s defensive prowess, rebounding acumen, and leadership qualities, which differentiate her game from Clark’s scoring-centric style.

The dynamic between the two players has also been fueled by commentary from other prominent figures. While some media personalities like Dick Vitale and Robert Griffin III have voiced concerns about potential “jealousy” affecting Clark’s recognition within the league, others have highlighted the inherent competitive nature of professional sports. The WNBA’s growing popularity has undeniably benefited from the compelling narratives and rivalries that players like Clark and Reese create, pushing the league into new levels of mainstream consciousness.

What’s Next for Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark?

The future of women’s basketball appears exceptionally bright, with the continuous rise of magnetic talents like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark leading the charge. Both players are poised for potentially historic careers, and it remains highly plausible that they will continue to ascend as the premier stars defining the WNBA for years to come.

For Angel Reese, the primary challenge will be to consistently demonstrate her ability to translate her dominant college game and impressive rookie season impact to sustained professional success. Her inherent physicality, defensive versatility, and natural rebounding instincts suggest she could have a profound and immediate impact. However, the true test lies in her capacity to handle the intense scrutiny, pressure, and elite competition that characterize the WNBA at its highest level. In her second season, Reese has already continued to impress, showcasing improved offensive skills and becoming the fastest forward to achieve a triple-double in WNBA history.

As for Caitlin Clark, her immediate objective will be to maintain her prolific offensive output and continue to refine her all-around game. Despite battling injuries that have limited her second-season appearances, her elite basketball skills and unmatched shooting range ensure she will remain a formidable force. With her unique playing style and immense talent, Clark is undoubtedly set to be a cornerstone of women’s basketball for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

Jemele Hill’s bold declaration regarding Angel Reese being the “Michael Jordan of the WNBA” and having “already surpassed Caitlin Clark” has indeed ignited a passionate and widespread debate among fans and analysts. While Angel Reese’s future in the WNBA looks exceptionally bright, and her impact as a defensive force and rebounder is undeniable, the comparison to Michael Jordan remains a premature and highly contentious assertion. Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, continues to be a record-breaking scoring phenomenon who has undeniably elevated the WNBA’s visibility to unprecedented heights.

Ultimately, one truth remains clear: both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark possess the extraordinary potential to fundamentally shape the future trajectory of women’s basketball. The ongoing, high-stakes Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry, whether framed as competition or a clash of personalities, is undeniably one of the most compelling and exciting storylines in sports, promising to captivate audiences for years to come and drive continued growth for the entire league.