Caitlin Clark divides opinions in the WNBA, and Lisa Leslie has plenty to say

Caitlin Clark has been making waves with her performance and media coverage since her debut with the Indiana Fever. Coming from the University of Iowa, she has revolutionized the league.

As a standout figure, Caitlin Clark has an almost magnetic effect, captivating fans and drawing attention to women’s basketball. Her presence has brought in a fresh wave of fans and significant revenue for the WNBA. While this might suggest  Clark would be universally embraced by her fellow players, the reality is more complex, with opinions divided.

Now approaching her second season in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark continues to face criticism and scrutiny from both current and former players. Although her name has undoubtedly boosted visibility for women’s basketball, not everyone sees her influence in the same positive light. This division is exactly what legend Lisa Leslie addressed head-on, sharing her thoughts unapologetically.

Lisa Leslie Defends Caitlin Clark

Lisa Leslie didn’t hold back when discussing Caitlin Clark’s media coverage and her role in the WNBA. “I think we need to understand that when one player eats, we all eat, and it opens more doors for everyone,” Leslie said to Usa Today.

 

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Leslie also praised Caitlin Clark’s approach to recognizing the talent within the league. “I love that she’s not the player who does everything just for herself. She has shown a lot of love and paid homage to the players who came before her. She shares her wealth with her teammates, and she doesn’t have to do that.”

Additionally, Leslie acknowledged that Caitlin Clark’s presence has positively impacted visibility for women’s basketball, expressing gratitude for her influence on the game. “Listen, Caitlin Clark, I’m very thankful for her. I’m thankful for all these women and for where this sport is today. We need to step back and see the bigger picture of how she’s impacting all of us.”

Impressive Stats Under Pressure

While Lisa Leslie’s perspective on Caitlin Clark is glowing, not all players behind closed doors share her sentiment. Being such a high-profile athlete, Clark tackled the pressures of her rookie season with poise. Her stats speak volumes: averaging 19.2 points per game, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, along with a 41.7% field goal percentage and 34.4% in three-pointers.

These numbers explain why her fans stand firmly behind her. Amid the mix of criticism and praise, Caitlin Clark is ready to kick off another season on May 17. This time, the Fever’s star will face off against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky—a showdown that promises to be electrifying.