Despite doubts from some of the WNBA’s top players regarding Caitlin Clark’s potential to replicate her college success at the professional level, league executives hold a contrasting view.
An anonymous WNBA general manager revealed to The Athletic their immense faith in Clark’s abilities, expressing a willingness to trade their entire team for her.
“I would trade my whole team for her. Partly because our owner would do it to sell tickets. But on top of that, that’s such a great piece to start to build around. She’s (like Diana) Taurasi coming out, and look what Taurasi’s done.”
On the other hand, basketball icon Diana Taurasi is among those expressing reservations about Clark’s ability to make an immediate impact in the WNBA.
“Look, SVP, reality is coming. There’s levels to this thing. That’s just life. We all went through it. You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against some 18 years olds but you’re going to come play with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time. Not saying that it’s not going to translate because when you’re great at you do you’re just going to get better, but there is going to be a transition period when you have to give some grace as a rookie. It make take a little bit longer for some people.”
Caitlin Clark is poised to be the top pick for the Indiana Fever in the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft, scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. E.T. on Monday night.
It will certainly be interesting to follow along throughout Clark’s WNBA career. Can she silence the critics? Or will she bend under the pressure? Only time will tell.
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