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New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart addressed the rumors and controversies surrounding WNBA rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese during a recent appearance Wednesday on the Pat McAfee Show. The conversation shed light on the narrative that established stars in the league might resent the attention these young players are receiving.
When McAfee jokingly asked, “You guys hate her? That’s what I heard. I heard everybody hates her,” referring to Caitlin Clark, Stewart quickly dismissed the notion.
“No way,” she said, emphasizing her support for the new talent in the league.
Stewart elaborated on her stance, highlighting the positive impact both Clark and Reese have had on the WNBA. The Liberty recently bet Clark and the Indiana Fever 91-80 May 18, and are set to face them again Sunday.
"We're happy that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are in this league..
There's always gonna be an adjustment when you go from college to pro and they're starting to get more comfortable" ~ @breannastewart #PMSLive https://t.co/mLByvEy8GA pic.twitter.com/UyotILvxhQ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 30, 2024
“I’m happy for her to be in this league obviously. I’m happy that she’s brought a whole bunch of new eyes along with Angel Reese, and continuing to bring those fans,” Stewart said. “To be at the Fever game, and the game to be sold out like that, I’m not sure if every single one after has been sold out but I know it’s been close.”
The Liberty forward acknowledged the adjustment period that comes with transitioning from college to professional basketball, something she and other veterans have experienced. ”
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“She’s going to turn into a really, really, great pro, but also people need to give her a little bit of time to be up and down and kind of figure it out,” Stewart said of Clark. “But as you can see her last game (against the Los Angeles Sparks) she had like 30 points and she’s starting to get more comfortable.”
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese finding their footing in the league
Clark, who is currently averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game has faced scrutiny as she adapts to the professional level. Similarly, Reese is averaging 11 points, 8.2 rebounds, and two assists per game. Both players have drawn significant attention, not just for their performances on the court but also for the expectations placed upon them.
McAfee's teasing question to Stewart touched on a broader issue within the WNBA: the perception of tension between seasoned players and rising stars. The narrative has been fueled by various media outlets and social media discussions leading up to the 2024 season, suggesting a rift between different generations of players. The adjustment period for rookies like Clark and Reese is a topic often discussed by WNBA veterans, and as a result, some have accused veterans like Diana Taurasi of being jealous. Meanwhile, Taurasi and other seasoned players have emphasized that it is less about jealousy and more about discussing the unavoidable growing pains that come with making a transition to a professional league.
The transition from college to the WNBA involves adapting to a faster pace, stronger competition, and different team dynamics. Stewart's encouragement for giving these players time to develop underscores the complexity of this transition.
