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Candace Parker Makes Her Opinion of Caitlin Clark Treatment Extremely Clear

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 29, 2025 9:40 AM ET

The WNBA’s young phenom is generating a lot more than just highlight reels right now.

Caitlin Clark’s start to the season has been a whirlwind — packed arenas, must-see moments, and headline after headline. But not all the attention has been celebratory. The physical play she’s faced on the court, and the way some of her veteran peers have treated her, has sparked nonstop debate among fans, analysts, and even former players.

One prominent voice gave her latest take on everything that has been surrounding Clark.

Candace Parker.

TMZ Sports caught up with the three-time WNBA champ this week and got her thoughts on how Clark is being handled in her second season — especially amid mounting criticism that opponents are playing overly rough with the Indiana Fever guard.

Parker didn’t mince words.

“Star players aren’t ever treated fairly,” she said, offering her blunt take when asked if Clark is being targeted too aggressively.

Her response wasn’t filled with outrage or excuses — instead, it leaned into a hard truth that most greats in the league have had to live through. The implication? Clark’s superstar treatment might just come with the territory.

Parker did show love for the Fever star's game, especially highlighting how Clark has already matched her own career total of triple-doubles with three.

“It’s awesome,” Parker said. “It’s great. I think she has so many more years to come of greatness. So it’s been good watching her play.”

Caitlin Clark made history on Opening Day

She recorded a triple-double (20 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST) to lead the @indianafever to a dominant win.

She’s now the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 3 career triple-doubles (41 games)

…and ties Candace Parker for 3rd-most… pic.twitter.com/50uDmazdo8
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 17, 2025

Clark is currently out for at least two weeks with a quad strain after a controversial final possession in a 90–88 loss to the Liberty. The play ended her streak of over seven straight years without missing a game, spanning from Iowa to her pro career. Before the injury, she was averaging 19 points and a league-best 9.3 assists.

And if Parker’s comments are any indication, Clark’s path to superstardom is still just getting started — rough treatment and all.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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