Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise has split the WNBA into two camps: those who embrace her star power and those who seem threatened by it. The Indiana Fever’s All-Star guard took the WNBA by storm following her success at the collegiate level, with Clark’s presence significantly boosting the league’s viewership and fanfare.
But success breeds controversy. Rumors suggest some WNBA players feel jealous of Clark’s attention, and the All-Star voting seemed to prove those whispers true. Despite topping the fan votes, Clark received only a few votes from her WNBA peers, a telling sign of the tension brewing behind the scenes.
Why Are WNBA Legends Defending Caitlin Clark?
Nancy Lieberman was once the face of women’s basketball, much like what Clark represents for the WNBA today. Although Lieberman played just two seasons in the WNBAÂ at an older age, she remains a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of women’s basketball players.
Having witnessed the hardships in creating the WNBA, Lieberman understands the value Clark brings to the league. In a recent exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, the 67-year-old sent a bold message to those jealous of Clark.
“If she happens to be the cash cow right now, embrace it,” Lieberman said. “Don’t be petty. She’s the best guard in the league right now. Her numbers have proven it. Just go out and ball. Play the game!”
Lieberman’s assessment carries weight. Clark is arguably the best guard in the league, having already won the Rookie of the Year Award in her debut season while leading the league in assists. Plus, she’s serving as captain of an All-Star team in just her second season.
How Does Clark’s Rivalry Compare to NBA Legends?
For Cheryl Miller, another legend of women’s basketball, Clark’s rivalry with Angel Reese, the perennial double-double threat of the Chicago Sky, mirrors the iconic rivalry of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Miller explained her reasoning for the high praise during her recent appearance on Keyshawn Johnson’s “All Facts No Brakes Podcast.”
“The reason I do it is, and just because I’m old school, you had Magic and Larry, who competed in college, but had championships,” Miller said. “So, Magic won. Larry didn’t. It’s kind of like the same thing, a little, with Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. But the difference is, with the men, it’s a rivalry, and it’s great theater.”
However, Miller pointed out a crucial difference in how the media covers women’s sports rivalries compared to men’s competitions. She argues that the narrative surrounding female athletes consistently takes an adverse turn.
“We’re either petty, or jealous, envious,” Miller added. “You know, we can’t just be two people who just generally don’t like you, and that’s OK. I don’t have to like you. I respect your game and everything else. But we don’t have to be kumbaya. But it’s the narrative by the media that bothers me.”
Candace Parker, another retired WNBA legend who appeared on the podcast with Miller, agreed with these views. Parker even pointed out how Kevin Durant’s rivalry with Russell Westbrook was portrayed in the media to prove her point about the double standard in sports coverage.
