WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes has reignited the debate surrounding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s performance this season. During an appearance on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, Swoopes acknowledged Clark’s impressive rookie year but stopped short of calling her “dominant.”
Swoopes clarified her earlier comments, stating, “I never said she wouldn’t be good. I just didn’t think either Caitlin or Angel [Reese] would immediately dominate the league.” She went on to say, “I still don’t think she’s dominating, but she’s definitely improved since the Olympics.”
Clark’s fans, however, took exception to Swoopes’ assessment. Social media erupted with arguments highlighting Clark’s statistically superior season compared to Swoopes’ own MVP years.
One fan pointed out, “These are Sheryl Swoopes’ MVP caliber numbers: 20.7 PPG (2000), 18.5 PPG (2002), 18.6 PPG (2005).” They then contrasted these with Clark’s rookie season stats: “19.5 PPG, 8.4 APG, 5.7 RPG.” The implication being that if Clark isn’t considered dominant now, then Swoopes never was.
Another fan emphasized Clark’s historic achievement: “Swoopes doesn’t consider Caitlin’s stat line dominant (19.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 8.4 APG)? She’s the only player in WNBA history to average those numbers or better!”
The debate highlights the evolving landscape of the WNBA and the high expectations surrounding Clark’s potential. While Swoopes prioritizes a broader definition of “dominant,” fans celebrate Clark’s statistical dominance and her impact on the league.
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