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WNBA legend gets honest with Caitlin Clark

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 12:14 AM ET

Diana Taurasi showed off a sense of humor this weekend regarding her infamous 2024 Caitlin Clark comments.

Taurasi, who retired following the 2024 WNBA season after a legendary career spanning two decades, raised eyebrows when she told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt in April of last year that "reality was coming" for Clark at the professional level. Since then, Taurasi has changed her tune on the Indiana Fever star, and it's clear there is a mutual respect between herself and Clark.

Clark appeared on Taurasi and Sue Bird's altcast of the women's college basketball national championship game Sunday afternoon, and at one point congratulated the longtime Phoenix Mercury and Team USA star on her retirement.

"Thank you, unfortunately, reality is coming to me now," Taurasi said, drawing laughs from Bird and Clark.

Diana Taurasi

"Reality is coming to me now" pic.twitter.com/8ZOKlYcUV7
— WNBA Clips & Highlights (@WNBAPlayerWatch) April 6, 2025

Props to Taurasi for having a laugh at her own expense.

After Iowa eliminated UConn at the 2024 women's Final Four, Taurasi issued her warning to Clark on "SportsCenter" with Van Pelt.

“Look, SVP, reality is coming. There’s levels to this thing,” Taurasi said. “You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come 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 what you do, you're just going to get better. But there is going to be a transition period where you're going to have to give yourself some grace as a rookie."

It didn't take very long at all for Clark to adjust to the professional level. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft led the league in assists and three-pointers made as a rookie, guiding the Fever to their first playoff berth in eight years.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 16: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) is guarded by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

"She’s not a college kid anymore," Taurasi said last Friday night. "Caitlin has grown. Boy, Caitlin is amazing."

Clark and the Fever will return to the court next month, opening up the 2025 WNBA regular season against the Chicago Sky on May 17.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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