Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark had an extraordinary rookie season, marking one of the finest in WNBA history. She emerged as a leading contender for the MVP award, instrumental in guiding the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Her remarkable performance earned her the title of Rookie of the Year, with an impressive 66 out of 67 first-place votes. Over the course of 40 games, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, a league-leading 8.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Despite the Fever being swept in the first round by the Connecticut Sun, her playoff averages of 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 2.0 steals showcased her enduring impact.
While Clark’s influence is undeniable, NBA legend Charles Barkley cautioned that her reign may soon face competition from the rapid rise of another young star: USC guard JuJu Watkins. At just 19 years old, Watkins won’t be eligible for the WNBA Draft until she turns 22, but Barkley believes she poses a significant challenge. “I tell all those bitter, frustrated players in the WNBA who are resentful of Caitlin Clark to make way, because JuJu is extraordinary,” he remarked during a recent episode of the “Throwbacks” podcast. Barkley acknowledged Clark’s significant contributions to women’s basketball over the past three years and encouraged her peers to celebrate her achievements while recognizing Watkins as a formidable talent.
Barkley further emphasized his perspective by drawing parallels between Clark and Watkins, suggesting that both could dominate the WNBA for years to come. “Caitlin is a supernova, but JuJu might be the superior player,” he stated, underscoring his belief in Watkins’ potential. In her freshman year, Watkins averaged an impressive 27.1 points per game, leading USC to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. This performance positions her as a rising force in the sport, prompting comparisons to Clark’s own remarkable debut season.
For context, Clark averaged 26.6 points per game during her first year at Iowa, demonstrating her scoring prowess. As both players continue to develop their skills, the anticipation surrounding their respective careers adds an exciting layer to the future of women’s basketball. With Barkley’s bold assertions, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on both Clark and Watkins as they navigate their burgeoning trajectories in the league.
