The ongoing conversation surrounding Caitlin Clark in the WNBA has sparked debates about jealousy among her peers. As the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, Clark has garnered significant attention, with historic viewership and attendance following her rookie season. However, her journey in the professional league has not been without challenges, as she has faced hard fouls and injuries, including a ruptured eardrum.
Moreover, since her debut in the WNBA, Clark has been subjected to various slights, both in verbal exchanges and on social media platforms. Some discussions have even delved into questioning whether her popularity is influenced by her race, with some players seemingly celebrating her struggles while highlighting their own successes.
When WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was questioned about the perceived targeting of Clark by other players, she offered a different perspective. Engelbert suggested that the spotlight on Clark might create an illusion of targeting, emphasizing that the WNBA boasts the best, most physical players in the world, given the concentrated talent pool across the league.
Engelbert highlighted the transition that all rookies face when entering the WNBA, acknowledging the outstanding performance of the rookie class, including Clark, who was named the Rookie of the Month for May. She emphasized that the league's marketing efforts focus on all players, not just a single individual, and credited Clark with uplifting the entire league.
Statistically, Clark has been a standout performer, averaging 16.2 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Her recent matchups against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have garnered significant viewership, making them the top two most-watched WNBA games in over two decades.
