The NBA extended Caitlin Clark an invitation to participate in the All-Star Weekend, offering her a chance to promote the WNBA similar to Sabrina Ionescu’s role last year. However, the second-year star for the Indiana Fever declined the opportunity to compete in the three-point contest, scheduled for February 14-16. Clark expressed her preference for competing in a WNBA event before stepping into the NBA spotlight. During an appearance on the “Straight to Cam” digital series, Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink praised Clark’s decision, acknowledging her friend’s choice as a commendable one.
Brink noted the significance of Clark’s stance, recalling the intense three-point showdown between Sabrina Ionescu and Steph Curry the previous year. The contest, which ended in a narrow loss for Ionescu, sparked debates about the competition’s fairness. Brink, who regards Ionescu as one of the best shooters she’s encountered, wasn’t surprised by the close result. “It was a tight match, and the controversy was expected,” Brink remarked, emphasizing that Clark had little reason to engage in such an event and risk criticism.
Brink elaborated that the pressure to conform to male standards in the NBA—such as shooting with the men’s ball or from the men’s three-point line—should not apply to Clark. She dismissed these arguments, pointing out how some critics unjustly fixated on the differences between the men’s and women’s games. “Clark doesn’t need to prove herself under those conditions,” Brink asserted, reinforcing that the women’s game stands strong on its own merits.
Additionally, Brink questioned why NBA players aren’t expected to compete in the WNBA, turning the spotlight on the gender imbalance in cross-league participation. She supported Clark’s decision not to take on unnecessary exposure, particularly when her focus should remain on preparing for the Fever’s upcoming season. Brink emphasized that Clark is well within her rights to prioritize her professional commitments over external distractions.
Clark’s impressive rookie season saw her shooting 34.4% from beyond the arc, making 122 three-pointers from 355 attempts. As she gears up for another season with the Fever, Brink’s perspective aligns with Clark’s resolve to remain focused on her WNBA career, refusing to succumb to pressures that might detract from her true goals.
