After becoming the WNBA’s biggest sensation, Caitlin Clark is about to embark on her second season in the league. She didn’t disappoint in her rookie year with the Indiana Fever, which is why expectations are even bigger for her in Year 2.
If there’s one NBA player who understands what kind of journey Clark is about to begin, it’s LeBron James. Following his electrifying rookie season, James faced similar pressure in his sophomore year. James took to social media to offer Clark his support.
LeBron James Sends Message to Caitlin Clark
With the Indiana Fever ready to begin their second season with Clark, James took to Instagram to wish her well.
“Good luck and do you per usual this season,” James wrote.
In Clark’s rookie season, she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from three. In James’ rookie season, he averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds, shooting 42.7% from the field and 29% from three.
In his second year, James posted 27.2 points, 7.2 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game. By then, it was clear he was already one of the NBA’s top players. Clark is projected to follow a similar path. Even if the stats don’t capture everything, she’s already the most exciting player in WNBA history to many.
The funny thing is, even though James showed in Year 2 he was worth the hype, the Cleveland Cavaliers still missed the playoffs — barely. Clark already led the Fever to the postseason, though she only played in two games. Indiana was quickly dispatched by the Connecticut Sun, who won the first two games in their best of three series.
There’s no telling how impactful Clark can be in her second season. It’s on her to show she was worth the hype. She proved right away she’s on the right track, and if all goes well, she could build a legacy like James has in the NBA.
The Fever may not have won a title last year, but if Clark continues to rise, it might not be long before they start a dynasty. It’s also on the franchise to build the right team around her — something Cleveland famously failed to do for James early on.
Clark certainly has a solid supporting cast around her heading into her second season. Aliyah Boston, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard and superstar guard Kelsey Mitchell will all be key components if the Fever want to contend this year.
Overall, it’s pretty cool to see one of basketball’s biggest icons show support for someone who could follow in his footsteps.
