To check Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA, there’s no need to go way back in history to check on. The Indiana Fever guard is playing in just her second season, and her rookie season was a phenomenal one, with 62 records broken in total.
But still, in her second season, the perspective around Clark has not changed. The recent WNBA voting results highlight how players see the 23-year-old voting her ninth-best guard in the league.
Many analysts, including Collin Cowherd and Dick Vitale slammed WNBA players for their ‘petty’ voting standards. Vitale called it “pure jealousy.” Cowherd, tired of the same narrative, mentioned that “the pettiness has no bounds.”
Let’s examine the problems with Clark’s popularity. But first, analyze the players’ All-Star voting.
Comparing Caitlin Clark With Top Guards Voted For WNBA All-Star Game
The Indiana Fever rookie ranks ninth among the active players’ voting (once again insisting on the point), and the players above her are Sabrina Ionescu, Skylar Diggins, Paige Bueckers, Natasha Cloud, and even Kelsey Mitchell. The top-voted guard is Allisha Gray. Amongst these guards, Clark still leads the league in assists, followed by Natasha Cloud with 6.5 assists.
In scoring, the 2024 Rookie of the Year is eighth among the guards, with a 2.4-point average separating her from the top scorer, Kelsey Plum. As for the voting, the top choice in the guard, Gray, averages 19.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. And if Caitlin Clark’s stats are taken into account, 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and five rebounds, all this despite her current dip in form.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
While the numbers speak for themselves, the Fever team still relies on Clark’s playmaking in games. Even with Aliyah Boston’s powerful performances, Kelsey Mitchell’s flurry of scoring, and new addition Aari McDonald’s influence on both ends of the floor, no one can deny that the opposition teams play differently when CC is on the court. They see the former Iowa star as a greater threat than the four other Fever players.
Still, Clark is voted the ninth-best guard in the league by the current players. This raises a question that has been constantly roaming in the league: Do WNBA players hate Clark? The only reason so far figured out is her popularity.
Is Caitlin Clark’s Popularity Her Worst Enemy?
The term ‘Caitlin Clark Effect’ became a reality for the WNBA when the Indiana Fever chose CC as their number one pick in 2024. Every aspect, even remotely related to the league and games, saw a massive surge, resulting in high revenue for the teams. But then there was another side to this revolution, completely opposite to what the league had experienced. Clark’s popularity generated some friction and debate within the league, leading some to question if it’s inadvertently creating a negative dynamic.
Many saw this as ‘hype’, and even feared that it would overshadow other players and their contributions to the league. Veterans like Diana Taurasi even doubted CC’s adaptability, calling her game fitting only against a bunch of 18-year-olds (college players). Some even voiced their concerns as the Iowa star receives preferential treatment. With this, a few fans also jumped in – showing their support to Clark, and others argued in favor of the vets.
This has led to some WNBA players and fans expressing frustration. Some players felt that Clark’s popularity is creating a divide and that her on-court performance is sometimes unfairly judged. Out of the blue, the new angle of ‘racism’ came into the picture. A few players targeted Clark’s identity as a white, straight, American player. It sparked conversations about how race and background influence her popularity compared to Black WNBA players.
While the league enjoyed a massive surge in popularity, it failed to negotiate with the negatives that came along with it. As Vitale said, jealousy might be present, but it needs to be controlled well before it reaches an uncontrollable stage. Well, all of this comes with the complexities of managing a rapidly growing league. The league should ensure that all players feel valued and respected, which might lighten Clark’s feelings.
Also Read: Caitlin Clark Sums Up Her Excitement In One Word After Seattle Storm Announces Sue Bird Statue