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2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark (left) and Former WNBA coach Carolyn Peck (right). Credits: Imagn

'I Did Not Say Caitlin Clark Is Not Valuable': Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Criticism By Carolyn Peck Retracted After Getting Social Media Backlash

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 7:15 AM ET

Caitlin Clark may be on the sidelines with a groin injury, but she’s still front and center in WNBA headlines—even when she’s not playing. The 2024 Rookie of the Year has proven herself as a vital piece of the Indiana Fever, but that hasn’t stopped some from questioning how the team performs without her.

Former WNBA coach Carolyn Peck made waves this week when she suggested the Fever might actually be more dangerous without their star guard.

“I think that Indiana is even more dangerous when Caitlin Clark doesn’t play because she’s a ball-dominant guard,” Peck said in a recent appearance. “The ball’s in her hands a lot, so you know what you need to try to take away. But when you look at Indiana now, they’ve got so many weapons.”

That take didn’t sit well with fans, many of whom accused Peck of downplaying Clark’s impact and even questioned her credibility. Peck made her remarks following the Fever’s July 3 win over the Las Vegas Aces—a game Clark missed. But the momentum didn’t last, as Indiana fell to the Los Angeles Sparks just two days later.

Facing backlash, Carolyn Peck took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify her stance.

“I did not say Caitlin Clark is not valuable. She’s a great player,” Peck wrote. “For those who only see Caitlin, I was complimenting the rest of the team. The Fever have several weapons. Yes, they lost last night. They have lost games with her. RESPECT to the WHOLE @IndianaFever team.”

In a follow-up post, she explained her point from a coaching perspective:

“As a coach, if you have ever prepared a scouting report? Scout the Fever with & without Caitlin. What do you have to take away in both scenarios? They are different. One is not easier than the other, just different. There is a lot of talent on that team.”

Caitlin Clark Close to Return but Not Rushing It

Caitlin Clark returned to practice on Friday but isn’t yet at full speed. She participated in shooting drills and light 3-on-3 sessions, but remains questionable for Indiana’s next game.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrate from the bench Thursday, July 3, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Head coach Stephanie White made it clear: they’re playing the long game.

“She’s stated she’s not a fan of minute restrictions,” White said. “If there is going to be a minutes restriction, maybe we’ll hold her another game. I prioritize her long-term health and making sure that when she comes back, she’s 100%.”

Jul 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during the Commissioner’s Cup final at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

On the other hand, Clark continues to work hard in getting back into shape. “I feel good… doing everything I can to put myself in a position to play the next game,” she told reporters this week.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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