While there have been a lot of intriguing storylines and happenings around the WNBA this season, the number one topic that everyone can't stop talking about is Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. Clark came into the league with a lot of hype and attention that not surprisingly drew opinions from all across the sports media world. During a media availability at the NBA Finals, commissioner Adam Silver was the latest to speak out about Clark's rookie season in the WNBA as per Alder Almo of Heavy.com.
“It's nothing new in basketball that there's sort of ‘welcome to the league' moments especially for heralded rookies, but of course I want to see Caitlin [Clark] treated fairly and appropriately in the league,” Adam Silver said. “It seems like she can take care of herself, she's a tough player. I think it maybe lost on some people who are new to basketball in terms of a little bit of the controversy in the WNBA, what an incredible talent she is. . .I look forward to watching her ongoing development in the league.”
Silver also spoke about the rising popularity of women's basketball and the major viewership and attendance numbers several WNBA teams are experiencing. He noted that this has been a growing trend even before Clark's arrival.
“I think ultimately this is very healthy for women's basketball and the WNBA. It's generating tremendous additional interest. I think in fairness to the other players and fairness to Commissioner Engelbert, this didn't just start this year. Certainly we're seeing an acceleration of it with Caitlin, but many individual stars who came in this league in the last several years. . .in some ways that was a long time coming if you go back and look at our original business plan. . .I don't want to make too big an issue about one particular player or one particular call, but I think the burgeoning rivalries in professional basketball. . .I think that can be ultimately good for the sport.”
Caitlin Clark navigating her rookie season in the WNBA with Fever
The most recent instance of drama surrounding Caitlin Clark came last weekend during the Fever's game against the Chicago Sky when Clark took a hip-check from Sky guard Chennedy Carter. The incident may have been premeditated due to an elbow Clark threw Carter's way as well as good old fashioned trash talk.
The play has led to numerous think-pieces as to whether or not Clark is being targeted by her fellow WNBA players. There's obviously no real evidence to support that and it likely can be chalked up to just run-of-the-mill ‘welcome to the league' moments as Silver suggested.
As far as Clark's on court play, she is firmly in the running for the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Through the Fever's first 11 games, Clark has been averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocked shot with splits of 35.7 percent shooting from the field, 29.7 percent shooting from the three-point line and 89.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
The Fever are currently 2-9 and hold the second-worst record in the league.
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