Candace Parker, one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, is clear about who she believes sits at the top of the league. In a recent sit-down with Complex Sports, Parker shared her updated WNBA player rankings using a tier system from “S” (elite) to “D” (developing), putting three stars ahead Caitlin Clark and leaving Angel Reese in a lower tier.
Parker said that the Indiana Fever guard was an “A-tier” player, but she still isn’t in the “elite” conversation. “I think in time, she’s going to raise up to that ‘S,’ but in order to put her at that level, she’s gotta have a couple more years,” Parker said.
According to Parker, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum and New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu are also “A-tier” players. Ahead of them, Parker named A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart as the league’s only current “S-tier” players.
Wilson has two championships and multiple MVPs; Collier leads the league in scoring at 23.9 points per game; and Stewart, a three-time champion, continues to anchor New York’s frontcourt.
Still, Clark has managed to average 16.7 points per game this season, despite struggling with shooting efficiency and a recent injury. In the last six games, Clark has been shooting 35% or worse from the field and has not surpassed 14 points in a game since her return from injury.
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Reese in “C” tier despite double-double streak
Meanwhile, when it came to Angel Reese, Parker put her in the “C” tier. “I put her right at that C level,” Parker said. “I think in terms of being above, you have to be able to have the ability to carry your team. Be a one or two-option.” However, she commended Reese for her growth in the past year.
Reese is currently riding a streak of nine straight double-doubles and was named to her second WNBA All-Star Game. On the season, she’s averaging 13.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, all career highs.
Parker also placed Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink in the same “C” tier as Reese. Though Brink is sidelined with a torn ACL, Parker referenced her potential impact on defense.
Reese and the Sky return to action Wednesday against the Atlanta Dream, while Clark and the Fever will play the New York Liberty in the final match ahead of the All-Star game, which takes place on July 19th.
