Stephen A. Smith Stuns Angel Reese on Her Own Podcast: Caitlin Clark Hailed as the Future of Women’s Basketball

In a headline-grabbing podcast appearance, ESPN’s outspoken analyst Stephen A. Smith joined Angel Reese for what was supposed to be a friendly chat about the game. Instead, the episode turned into a masterclass in tough love and honesty, as Stephen A. made it abundantly clear who he believes is the true star of women’s basketball: Caitlin Clark.

From the opening moments, Stephen A. set the tone. Rather than focusing on Reese’s achievements or fishing for flattering soundbites, he immediately began singing Clark’s praises—her deep shooting range, her court vision, her ability to electrify crowds. “Why do you think people love Caitlin Clark besides her skills?” Stephen A. pressed, giving Reese a moment to respond. She pointed to Clark’s famous logo threes, but Stephen A. wasn’t about to let it end there.

He leaned in, his trademark intensity on full display. “That’s not all she brings to the table,” he declared. “Caitlin Clark is the best passer in the league, she’s got fans glued to every play, and she controls the game like a chess master.” Stephen A. even drew a bold comparison, likening Clark’s impact to that of Steph Curry—redefining the game and doing things never seen before in women’s basketball.

The conversation grew even more pointed. Stephen A. admitted he hadn’t always been a Clark believer. “I’ll be honest, I doubted her. I was a skeptic. But you know what? Every time I bet against her, she proved me wrong. If I doubt you ten times and you come through every single time, you’re the truth. That’s Caitlin Clark.”

The moment was visibly tough for Reese, who struggled to keep her composure as Stephen A. continued to praise her biggest rival—right on her own podcast. Social media lit up in the aftermath, with fans and analysts marveling at Stephen A.’s candor. Comments poured in: “Did Stephen A. just call Caitlin the GOAT on Angel’s podcast?” and “Stephen A. basically told Angel that Caitlin’s the star.”

Stephen A.’s take echoed what other prominent voices in sports have said. Analysts like Rachel Nichols and Jason Whitlock have also highlighted Clark’s massive impact on the game, not just with her skills, but with her ability to bring in new fans and set viewership records. Clark’s marketability is skyrocketing, with some lists even ranking her above global icons like Ronaldo and Messi.

The contrast between Clark and Reese, as Stephen A. pointed out, couldn’t be more striking. While Clark is already back in the gym, grinding to improve every aspect of her game, critics argue that Reese is focusing more on her public persona and off-court projects than on fixing weaknesses in her play. This, Stephen A. suggested, says a lot about the different mindsets between the two young stars.

Stephen A.’s words carry real weight in the basketball world. He’s never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and his declaration that Clark is “the best collegiate player ever to grace women’s basketball” is high praise for a rookie WNBA player.

The message was loud and clear: Stephen A. Smith didn’t come to play nice—he came to set the record straight. In his eyes, Caitlin Clark is not just another player; she’s a generational talent ready to dominate the league for years to come.

Was Stephen A. too blunt, or is Caitlin Clark truly the next big thing in women’s basketball? The debate is only heating up. One thing’s for sure: with Clark’s star on the rise and Stephen A. leading the chorus of praise, the WNBA is entering a thrilling new era.

What do you think? Was Stephen A. Smith too direct, or was he just being real? Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more hot takes and highlights from the world of women’s basketball!