Even though there were many fascinating plots and events around the WNBA this season, the topic number one that everyone can’t stop talking about is Indiana fever beginner Caitlin Clark. Clark came into the league with a lot of hype and attention that, unsurprisingly, attracted opinions from around the sports media world. During a press briefing during the NBA Finals, Commissioner Adam Silver was the last to speak on Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA according to Alder Almo of Heavy.com.
“It’s not new in basketball that there are ‘welcome to the league’ moments, especially for heralded rookies, but of course I want to see Caitlin (Clark) treated fairly and appropriate in the league,” Adam Silver said. “She looks like she can take care of herself, she’s a tough player. I think it may have escaped some people who are new to basketball because of the controversy within the WNBA, what an incredible talent she has. . .I look forward to following his continued development in the league.
Silver also spoke about the growing popularity of women’s basketball and the significant viewership and viewership that several WNBA teams are experiencing. He noted that this was a growing trend even before Clark arrived.
“I think ultimately it’s very healthy for women’s basketball and the WNBA. This generates a lot of additional interest. I think, out of fairness to the other actors and to Commissioner Engelbert, that it did not start this year. We’re definitely seeing an acceleration with Caitlin, but with many individual stars who have come into this league over the last few years. . …in some ways it took a long time if you go back and look at our initial business plan. . I don’t want to talk too much about any one player or call, but I do think about the budding rivalries in professional basketball. . I think it can ultimately be good for the sport.
Caitlin Clark navigates her rookie season in the WNBA with Fever
The most recent example of drama surrounding Caitlin Clark occurred this past weekend during the Fever’s game against the Chicago Sky when Clark suffered a hip check from Sky guard Chennedy Carter. The incident may have been premeditated due to an elbow that Clark threw at Carter as well as some good old trash talk.
The piece led to a lot of thoughts about whether or not Clark is the target of her fellow WNBA players. There’s obviously no real evidence to support this and it can probably be attributed to simple “welcome to the league” moments, as Silver suggested.
When it comes to Clark’s play on the court, she is firmly in the running for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Over the Fever’s first 11 games, Clark averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocked shots while shooting 35.7 percent. on shots from the field, 29.7 percent on shots from the three-point line and 89.6 percent on shots from the field. the free throw line.
The Fever are currently 2-9 and have the second-worst record in the league.
