Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) receives a delay of game warning during the second half of Game 2 of a first-round WNBA basketball playoff series agains the Connecticut Sun, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Caitlin Clark, who earned the WNBA Rookie of the Year award with an overwhelming 66 out of 67 votes, has recently received praise from none other than Sheryl Swoopes, a WNBA legend. Initially, Swoopes raised eyebrows with critical comments about Clark’s NCAA scoring record, dismissing it as inflated. However, after witnessing Clark’s stellar season with the Indiana Fever, including averages of 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, Swoopes acknowledged her immense talent. Despite a playoff exit, Clark’s impact is undeniable, though she is taking a much-deserved break this offseason.
Swoopes, a four-time WNBA champion, initially downplayed Clark’s achievements, even attributing much of Indiana Fever’s post-Olympics success to other players like Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell. Clark’s stellar performance, however, couldn’t be ignored for long. By season’s end, Swoopes, who had previously avoided commenting on Clark’s dominance, finally recognized her shooting prowess and vision on the court, aligning her views with those of Rookie of the Year voters.
The shift in Swoopes’ opinion highlights Clark’s ability to win over skeptics through her undeniable skill set, even as a rookie. In her first season, Clark’s consistent output and leadership on the court led her team to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Despite Indiana’s first-round playoff exit, Clark’s performance marked her as one of the league’s most promising young stars.
As for what’s next, Clark has decided to step away from basketball for a while, skipping opportunities like the Unrivalled League to recharge. While fans may be eager to see her back in action, Clark is focusing on rest and relaxation, taking up golf as she looks ahead to her second WNBA season.
