"She's no scrub"- Stephen A. Smith boosts Angel Reese's ROTY contention highlighting her marketability appeal

Stephen A. Smith rallied for Chicago Sky rookie star Angel Reese on ESPN's "First Take On The Road." The ESPN analyst highlighted the possibility of Chi-Barbie being named Rookie of the Year after her stellar performances in the WNBA before the international break.

Smith leaned on the marketability factor of the Sky rookie, suggesting that having Resse on the team can boost the popularity of the sport.

"Angel Reese, she may be Rookie of the Year," Smith said. "She's special and let me tell you this right now, I don't care what anybody says because she can play, she's no scrub, she's a walking double-double"

"Marketability matters and if you can have that girl on the team, make sure you do it because that's gonna elevate the popularity of the sport and a rising tide lifts all boats."

Angel Reese is having a spectacular season in the WNBA, averaging 13.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for the Chicago Sky. Moreover, she broke Candace Parker's record for the most consecutive double-doubles scored in a single season, making her a frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year award race alongside Caitlin Clark.

The Chicago Sky currently have a 10-14 record this season, they are fourth in the Eastern Conference but eighth in the cumulative standings. The Sky are at risk of not making the playoffs if they perform poorly after the international break ends. Reese will return to the hardwood once the international break ends and will face the Phoenix Mercury on August 15.

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Angel Reese enjoys a mini poolside vacation after supporting Team USA in Paris

Angel Reese seems to be enjoying the WNBA international break to the fullest. The Chicago Sky rookie shared pictures of herself wearing pink Gucci swimwear on her Instagram story. A fan account of hers posted the pictures on X for Reese's fans on the social media platform.

In the pictures, Reese can be seen lying down poolside at an unspecified location. In another picture, Reese can be seen standing in front of the mirror taking a mirror selfie. Before posting these pictures of her mini detour, the Chicago Sky rookie was in Paris to support the USA Women's National Basketball Team after missing the opportunity to represent her nation alongside them.