WNBA coach sends clear message about Caitlin Clark

This past week has seen several high profile personalities weigh in on Caitlin Clark, including LeBron James and Charles Barkley.

On Friday, Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon made her own statement regarding Clark, denying that there is any rift between the Indiana Fever star rookie and the rest of the WNBA.

“We love Caitlin Clark,” Hammon said, according to CBS Sports. “I think she’s amazing. I watch every time I possibly can. Our league loves her. We’re just doing our job. We’re gonna show up, whoever’s on the other team is on the other team, we don’t really care, we’re gonna show up and do us.

“This narrative of everybody hating on Caitlin Clark, and even the black and white thing, knock it off. 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.”

“Let’s be very clear, we love Caitlin Clark…I think this narrative of everybody hating on her…knock it off it’s not there.”

Good stuff here by @LVAces Head Coach @BeckyHammon and @_ajawilson22 on the national conversation surrounding the @WNBA star rookie. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/kAutGYVth4

— Alex Eschelman (@alexeschelman) May 24, 2024

Hammon’s comments come as others have speculated that there’s a jealously regarding Clark’s standing in the league. That was apparent in Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese’s apparent response to Barkley’s comments that the rest of the WNBA should be thanking the former Iowa star for raising the profile of the league.

Taking Hammon at her word, however, the idea of there being ill will toward Clark is overblown — if not completely fabricated. For those curious, the first highly anticipated matchup between Clark’s Fever and the Hammon’s Aces will come in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

[CBS Sports]