Caitlin Clark’s early days in the WNBA have been a mix of triumphs and trials. The Indiana Fever rookie has faced everything from lucrative endorsement deals to heated on-court clashes, all while navigating the reality of being a new professional athlete. Yet, despite the challenges, Clark remains grateful and finds joy in playing the sport she loves.
“I think that’s something you can never lose,” Clark said, as reported by Michael Lee of The Washington Post. “It wouldn’t be very fun showing up to work every day if I didn’t find a lot of joy. I’m just really grateful to be in this position and whatever comes with that.”
Clark’s introduction to the league has been far from smooth. Her first month has seen her dealing with everything from lucrative endorsement deals to on-court controversies, including a much-discussed hip check.
However, her standout performance against the Washington Mystics June 7, where she matched her career high with 30 points, reminded everyone why she was a sensation at lowa.
“I think it’s hard for people to remember, I just love playing basketball,” Clark said. “This is my job. This is what I’m here for. I’m not here for all the other stuff.”
The “other stuff” includes being caught in the middle of debates about her absence from the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball roster and controversies sparked by her high-profile presence. Clark has chosen to focus on her goals, expressing support for the players who made the Olympic team and aiming for a spot in 2028.
“Sometimes it stinks how much the conversation is outside of basketball,” she said. “Everybody’s going to have their opinion. Everybody’s entitled to their own opiпіоп. That’s just what it is. Conversations are going to happen. It’s good for women’s basketball.”
Veteraпs, faпs, coaches weigh iп oп Caitliп Clark’s rookie year
© David Bυtler II-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran players and analysts have also weighed in on Clark’s challenging rookie year. During the women’s NCAA Tournament, Diana Taurasi noted on ESPN that “reality is coming” for Clark, alluding to the tough adjustments she must make in the WNBA. Clark has faced these challenges head-on, dealing with both competitive play and intense public scrutiny.
High-profile figures like Charles Barkley and LeBron James have also shared their views on Clark’s impact on the league. Barkley criticized WNBA players for being “petty,” while James called for more appreciation of the attention Clark has brought to the sport.
Despite the external pressures, Clark has remained focused on her performance. She became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 points and 75 assists, surpassing Sue Bird. Yet, her journey has not been without setbacks, including leading the league in turnovers and experiencing low-scoring games.
University of Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma commented on the high expectations placed on Clark, suggesting that fans were “delusional” in expecting immediate dominance. Clark’s teammate, Aliyah Boston, acknowledges the added pressures faced by top draft picks.
“Everyone just wants to prove that this is their league in a sense, because even last year, being a rookie, I took some tough hits,” Boston said. “You get back up. And I think you’ve been able to see Caitlin do that. I know it’s frustrating for her. She’s in this league. She just wants to hoop. Some nights, things happen. But we’re going to pick her up.”
New York Liberty guard Sabrina lonescu, a former top pick herself, understands the pressures of high expectations.
Drafted first overall in 2020, Ionescu’s journey was delayed by injuries but eventually led her to become an Olympian. Her advice to Clark highlights the need for patience and perseverance.
“It’s tough anytime you’re a top pick coming into the league,” lonescu said. “It’s like you have this target on your back, your own expectations but also the world’s.
It’s been really nice to see just how far I’ve come from, thinking I was never going to come out on the right side.”
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Source: USA Today
