Concerns over Caitlin Clark’s physicality as Indiana Fever get off to a slow WNBA start
She might need more time to adjust to the league
Caitlin Clark.AP
The Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark, the 2024 No. 1 pick, have yet to secure a win after two games, with the player struggling to find her usual offensive efficiency. Though she has shown glimpses of her high-level performance, it is clear that she will need time to make a significant impact in the WNBA as she did at Iowa.
Former NBA player-turned-analyst Tim Legler had strong opinions about Clark‘s rough start with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, sparking diverse reactions.
Caitlin Clark is captured yelling at feferee’s face amid early WNBA struggles
Legler commented that Clark will need more time to adjust to the WNBA level because she no longer has a distinct advantage over her opponents.
In college, Clark leveraged her speed to surpass defenders, but the professional league’s players are more seasoned and physically adept.
“Caitlin Clark doesn’t have any advantages physically,” Legler told ESPN’s First Take.
“She’s not going to be quicker than the people she’s playing against…she’s not stronger…so the adjustment period for her is going to take even longer in terms of having that consistent night to night impact.”
Fan reaction to Legler’s comments
Thank you for watching
Legler’s remarks have received varied responses. Some agree with his assessment, while others believe the Fever are not properly utilizing Clark’s talents.
“Is Steph Curry the fastest, tallest, no But his coach and teammates know what they are doing CC teammates outside of Boston are useless,” a fan argued.
Another stressed: “The real problem is they have her playing a style of basketball that doesn’t utilize her skillset. It’s one thing to have to adjust to the physicality but it’s another to have Aaliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark not run PNR but instead have Caitlin in the corner like Duncan Robinson.”
