Caitlin Clark: The WNBA’s New Superstar Faces Praise, Jealousy, and a League at a Turning Point

Caitlin Clark isn’t just playing basketball—she’s rewriting the story of the WNBA. The Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation has taken the league by storm, drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Steph Curry and Michael Jordan while sparking a surge in fan interest that the WNBA hasn’t seen in years. But as her star rises, so does the drama. From praise by basketball icons to criticism from peers and media, Clark’s journey is a rollercoaster of triumph and tension. With the league at a crossroads, the question looms: can the WNBA embrace its new superstar, or will petty rivalries and mismanagement dim her light?

A Phenomenon on the Court

Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA with sky-high expectations after a record-breaking college career at Iowa. Known for her long-range shooting and electrifying play, she’s been dubbed “the female Steph Curry” for her quick release and confidence. In her rookie season, Clark has lived up to the hype, averaging 34 points per game—a number that has analysts predicting she could be the first WNBA player to consistently hit 34-35 points per game, as speculated by fans on social media platforms like X. Her flair for the dramatic—draining logo threes and dishing no-look passes—has turned casual viewers into diehard fans.

NBA veterans have taken notice. Patrick Beverley, known for his unfiltered takes, recently shared his admiration on a podcast, recalling watching Clark in a shooting drill: “She’s one of those shooters where you’re like, ‘Damn, why’d you throw that pass bad? Give me the ball in my chest.’ She’s a gangsta.” Beverley’s awe reflects what many in the basketball world feel: Clark has that “it factor” that separates good players from great ones.

Steph Curry himself, a player Clark has been compared to since college, weighed in during a recent interview. “Her release time is pretty much identical to mine,” Curry said. “But it’s not just her shot—it’s her floor game, her confidence, the flare. She’s a performer.” Curry’s praise underscores Clark’s ability to not only score but also elevate her team, a trait that has drawn sellout crowds to Fever games and boosted league visibility.

Legends Speak Out: Support from the Greats

Clark’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by basketball’s biggest names. Michael Jordan, who rarely comments on current players, broke his silence in a statement that sent shockwaves through the sports world. “What she’s doing right now isn’t just special—it’s transformational for the game of basketball,” Jordan said. “The league needs to wake up and show her the respect she deserves, or we risk losing her talent to Europe.” Jordan’s warning about Clark potentially leaving for Europe—a viable option given the growing popularity of women’s basketball overseas—puts pressure on the WNBA to protect its brightest star.

Shaquille O’Neal dropped a bombshell of his own during an appearance on Angel Reese’s podcast. In front of Reese, one of Clark’s most vocal critics, Shaq praised her relentlessly: “I was a hater at first, but she kept hitting those shots. If I say 10 times, ‘You’re not gonna hit that shot,’ and you hit it, you’re the truth.” Shaq’s comments were a bold show of support, especially given the tension between Clark and Reese, who have clashed both on and off the court.

Charles Barkley, never one to shy away from controversy, called out Clark’s detractors in the WNBA. “Y’all should be thanking that girl for getting y’all private charters, all the money, and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA,” Barkley said on TNT. “Don’t be petty like dudes.” Barkley’s frustration highlights a broader sentiment: Clark is a financial boon for the league, yet she’s faced hostility from some peers who seem more focused on tearing her down than building on her success.

Magic Johnson, a part-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks, offered a more measured take. “Caitlin, Angel, and others have made the WNBA better,” he said. “But they’re going to be tested by these incredible women who’ve been in the league for a long time.” Johnson drew parallels to his own rivalry with Larry Bird in the 1980s, which revitalized the NBA. His message? Clark needs time—and support from her teammates—to reach her full potential.

A Rough Welcome: Jealousy and Hard Fouls

Despite the praise, Clark’s rookie season hasn’t been all smooth sailing. She’s faced a barrage of hard fouls and off-court criticism, much of which has been attributed to jealousy. NBA legend Rick Barry didn’t hold back in his defense of Clark: “It’s reprehensible what they’re allowing some of these players to do. Anybody that does something flagrant to this young lady for what she’s brought to the game should be suspended and fined big time.” Barry’s words echo a growing sentiment that the WNBA isn’t doing enough to protect its star player.

George Gervin, another NBA great, pointed out the tangible benefits Clark has brought to the league. “She’s bringing value for all of them,” Gervin said. “They’re flying private planes now—they weren’t doing that before she came.” Gervin’s comparison of Clark to Tiger Woods in golf underscores her transformative impact, yet some players seem more focused on rivalry than gratitude.

Jeff Teague, a former NBA All-Star, criticized the WNBA’s handling of Clark’s arrival. “They played this all wrong,” Teague said on his podcast. “They were supposed to gas this up. This is why people don’t watch—y’all hating on the best thing that’s happened to the W.” Teague’s raw delivery cuts to the core of the issue: Clark’s popularity could bridge the gender pay gap and elevate the league’s profile, but resistance from within is holding it back.

The Olympic Snub: A Blessing in Disguise?

One of the most controversial moments of Clark’s season came when she was left off the U.S. Olympic team for the 2024 Paris Games. Paul Pierce, a Celtics legend turned commentator, called out the decision: “You claim you want the women’s game to grow, and then you keep the most popular girl in women’s basketball off the team. How do you grow if you don’t put her on the U.S. team?” Pierce’s take, while supportive, implies Clark’s inclusion would have been more about marketing than merit—a backhanded compliment at best.

Dwight Howard, however, saw the snub as an opportunity. “This should motivate her,” Howard said at the time. “She should get in better shape and go harder in the gym.” Howard’s prediction proved prophetic. Since the Olympic break, Clark has looked sharper, faster, and more dominant, leading the Fever into playoff contention. The time off may have been the reset she needed to silence her doubters.

A League at a Crossroads

The WNBA is experiencing a renaissance, with Clark as its centerpiece. Attendance is up, TV ratings are soaring, and sponsorships are pouring in. But the league’s handling of Clark has drawn scrutiny. Isaiah Thomas, a Hall of Fame point guard turned executive, noted the double-edged sword of controversy: “Controversy sells, but it’s not good.” Thomas’s comment hints at the media’s role in amplifying drama around Clark, often at her expense.

Barkley went further, accusing the media of mishandling Clark’s rise. “They cannot have screwed this Caitlin Clark thing up any worse if they tried,” he said. “Just because people don’t like you, they can’t get on TV and slander you.” Barkley’s frustration is palpable: Clark is a cash cow, but the league and media seem more focused on petty narratives than promoting her as the future of the sport.

Reggie Miller, an Indiana Pacers legend, offered a more old-school perspective. “What did she expect was going to happen?” Miller said. “You’re playing against grown women.” While Miller’s take acknowledges the physicality of the WNBA, it downplays the unnecessary hostility Clark has faced—hard fouls with no basketball purpose and off-court shade that feels personal.

The Road Ahead

Caitlin Clark’s journey is far from over. At just 23, she’s already reshaping women’s basketball, drawing praise from the likes of Jordan, Curry, and Shaq while forcing the WNBA to confront its own shortcomings. But for Clark to reach her full potential, the league must step up. That means cracking down on flagrant fouls, ensuring fair officiating (as Jordan himself called for), and fostering an environment where talent is celebrated, not resented.

For now, Clark remains focused on her game. She’s declined to participate in a Three-Point Contest against Curry—something fans are clamoring for—but has left the door open for the future. “I know all of our fingers are crossed that she does,” Curry said with a smile. A Clark-Curry showdown could be the next big moment for women’s basketball, a chance to bridge the NBA and WNBA in a way that showcases Clark’s star power.

As the WNBA heads into the playoffs, all eyes are on Clark. Can she lead the Fever to a championship? Can the league seize this moment to elevate its profile? One thing is certain: Caitlin Clark is here to stay, and the basketball world—from NBA legends to grassroots fans—is rooting for her to rewrite the record books. The WNBA would be wise to get on board.