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Las Vegas Aces Push Back On Narrative That Caitlin Clark is Hated Among WNBA


WNBA superstar rookie point guard Caitlin Clark has seen an interesting start to her professional career. She entered into the league with as much hype as probably any player ever, which has caused some mixed reactions around the league.

Her impact on the league without doing much likely caused some frustration with other players around the WNBA, creating some poor narratives.
Clark has never said anything herself and simply just wants to play basketball. But the star power that she has seems to cause some issues.

The growth in popularity of the WNBA is due in no small part to the hype that has surrounded Clark. While she isn’t the only star player to help grow the game, she has taken things to a new level. The league just approved the use of private charter flights for the first time in history. Clark has changed the WNBA already, but some aren’t fans of that fact.

The discourse seemed to reach a new level when NBA star LeBron James gave his thoughts on Clark during a recent episode of his podcast, Mind the Game.

“Don’t get it twisted, don’t get it f—ed up: Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA,” James said.

Former NBA All-Star Charles Barkley also weighed in (per Jack Maloney of CBS Sports), giving more credibility to the narratives surrounding Clark.

“You women out there, y’all petty, man,” Barkley said. “Y’all should be thanking that girl for getting y’all ass private charters. All the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA, don’t be petty like dudes. Listen, what she’s accomplished, give her her flowers.”

 Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Clark has been receiving some mixed…


Harry How/Getty Images

However, multiple members of the Las Vegas Aces seemed to dispute this on Friday. Head coach Becky Hammon and star A’ja Wilson made it clear that Clark isn’t hated around the league.

“This narrative of everybody hating on Caitlin Clark… knock it off,” Hammon said. “It’s not there. It’s not there. So shut down the noise. And by the way, what is she, 22? She’s a 22-year-old woman with a lot of pressure. She’s not perfect, she’s a rookie in this league. Back off.”

While Clark did bring extra viewership to the league, it should only be seen as a good thing. The more that the game of basketball can grow the better and the WNBA is in a great place currently. Clark may draw more attention than others but it’s because she is a special talent out on the floor. She is only a few games into her career and so far, she has done all the right things. Clark is still learning how to play in the league at a high level and it’s going to be a fun ride for everyone once she actually does.