Caitlin Clark explains why she didn’t pick Angel Reese for her WNBA All-Star team

Caitlin Clark continues to dominate headlines both on and off the court. The Indiana Fever rookie, recently named an All-Star starter, has now drawn attention for her role as a team captain in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game.  During the All-Star draft, Clark made the surprising choice to leave fellow rookie sensation Angel Reese off her team, and fans have been eager to know why.

The moment was lighthearted but caught fire quickly. After Napheesa Collier selected Angel Reese for her squad, Clark quipped with a laugh, “Not gonna be much rebounding on that team.” Her comment drew laughs from the panel and the live audience, but it didn’t take long for social media to explode with takes on what she meant.  Clark clarified later that the remark was more about team balance and friendly banter than any personal jab. “We were all having fun with it,” she said. “It’s an All-Star Game, so there’s always a bit of joking around. I respect Angel and everything she’s doing. She deserves to be there.”

A competitive friendship building

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been tied together since their unforgettable NCAA rivalry, which carried into the WNBA with both rookies bringing massive fanbases and attention to the league. While competitive tension between the two is often spotlighted, both have repeatedly stated they have mutual respect for each other’s games.

Clark’s decision not to select Reese is more reflective of All-Star strategy than rivalry. She prioritized spacing, perimeter shooting, and ball movement in her selections, aiming to build a squad that fits her fast-paced style of play. Reese, meanwhile, joins a frontcourt-heavy team led by Collier that will look to dominate in the paint.  Come All-Star weekend, fans will be treated to another exciting chapter in this budding rivalry – all in good fun.