Cheryl Swoopes’s assessment of Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has stirred quite a bit of discussion. On a recent episode of the Gilberts Arena podcast, the legendary WNBA player was asked for her thoughts on Clark’s impressive rookie performance. Clark, the Indiana Fever’s standout rookie, shattered several records, including the single-season record for points by a rookie. Despite this, Swoopes offered a nuanced critique that combined both praise and skepticism.
Swoopes acknowledged Clark’s impressive statistics, stating, “Clark put up incredible numbers, but to me, that’s not necessarily dominating.” She clarified that while she never doubted Clark’s abilities, she had reservations about her immediate impact. Swoopes had previously expressed doubts about whether Clark or fellow rookie Angel Reece would come into the league and dominate right away. She maintained her stance, saying, “I still don’t think she’s dominating, but she’s definitely evolved as a player since the start of the season.”
Despite Swoopes’s critical view, Clark has achieved remarkable milestones. She not only set rookie records but also surpassed several WNBA records, including single-season assists with 321, single-game assists with 19, and most All-Star votes with 7,735. Additionally, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 career assists.
Swoopes conceded that Clark’s performance after the Olympic break showed significant improvement. “I’ve never questioned Caitlin’s skill; she’s an exceptional player,” Swoopes said. “My belief was that it would take her some time to adjust to professional play, and it seems she has successfully made that transition.”
Swoopes’s comments reflect a mix of respect for Clark’s achievements and a nuanced perspective on her dominance in the league.
