Caitlin Clark’s rookie year wasn’t all sunshine and triple-doubles. And she’s making sure Paige Bueckers knows that, too.
Just over a year after being the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, the Indiana Fever star had some real talk for the Dallas Wings rookie. As part of her With the Assist platform with State Farm, Clark shared some heartfelt, honest advice—reminding everyone that hype doesn’t protect you from growing pains in the big leagues.
Caitlin Clark Warns Paige Bueckers: ‘Allow Yourself Some Grace’
Clark’s message was clear and real. “I think just allow yourself some grace and patience,” Clark told Sports Illustrated when asked about Bueckers’ jump to the pros. “It’s not always gonna be perfect.”
Coming off a whirlwind rookie year where she helped pull the Indiana Fever back into playoff talk, Clark knows the highs and lows. Even with awards, viral plays, and non-stop fan attention, the ride wasn’t easy.
“I think Paige will be great,” Clark said. “She is a very high-IQ basketball player. She understands the game really well. She puts herself in positions to be successful.”
It’s a message rooted in reality. Whether it’s LeBron James or a kid in the driveway, no one skips the struggle. Clark just wants Bueckers to grow through it.
She stressed learning over perfection. That’s something Clark had to accept while adjusting to the WNBA’s speed, toughness, and mental grind. And with Bueckers coming in with her own massive expectations after starring at UConn, the pressure’s already on.
Clark Talks Rookie Hype, Social Media Buzz, and Muscle Gains
Speaking of pressure, Clark’s still in the middle of it. She scored a game-high 27 points in Indiana’s tough 91-90 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, after lighting up the Chicago Sky in the opener. But fans also noticed something new—Clark looks stronger.
And she’s heard it.
MORE: Clark Has Perfect Solution for Fever’s Adversity
“I think it’s funny,” Clark said about the muscle talk. “I think people see one photo, and they kind of just run with it. I appreciate it… I worked really hard, so at least they noticed, I guess.”
caitlin on her muscles becoming a topic of conversation:
“i think it's funny 😂 i think people see one photo, and they kind of just run with it. but, i mean, i appreciate it, i guess. i worked really hard. so at least they noticed, i guess 😂”
yes i did notice pic.twitter.com/aZ7UYRBrpb
— cc akgae (@clrkszn)
So while the league adjusts to her firepower, Clark’s still growing. Still learning. Still lifting—on and off the court.
For Bueckers, the spotlight’s already bright. But if anyone knows how hot it can get, it’s Clark. And her message hits home: it won’t be perfect. But the ride? Worth every second.