Since there was no question about who the Indiana Fever would select in the most recent WNBA draft, Caitlin Clark’s decision to join them may be the worst-kept secret in sports history. However, despite the media’s wild celebration of Clark, there have also been murmurs of caution and, in many cases, outright “hatred” directed at the former Iowa star.
Paul Pierce seemed to be tired of Clark being treated like a pariah by some members of the WNBA, as the Truth discussed on the “Undisputed” set. The media has been quiet about this issue. Pierce stated, discussing the circumstances,
“I wish some of the older players and retired, and current players embraced this because look what she has done for the women’s game. She has uplifted it…They gotta embrace this somehow.”
“Caitlin Clark is going to be pretty damn good.”@PaulPierce34's expectations for Caitlin heading into the WNBA pic.twitter.com/5nAK8PyuEq
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 16, 2024
Although the former Boston Celtics player had harsh words for the WNBA community, he is the one who knows the best that rookie hazing is a normal part of the league’s culture and that everyone will eventually have their “welcome to the league” moment.
Paul Pierce gives solid advice to Caitlin Clark
Considering Clark’s circumstances realistically, “The Truth” also imparted some guidance to Clark.
“What she gotta be prepared for is, and be ready night in and night out is she is going to be playing against someone just as good as her, and she is going to have a target on her back, you heard what Diana Taurasi said”
It is highly probable that Clark will become a target as soon as she joins the league. Although she has excelled at the university level, the amount of work needed to compete in the professional leagues is just enormous.
Apart from strategies and coverages, the WNBA’s defense is just a step beyond that of the NCAA, so Clark will need to spend some time honing her skills to meet the demands of the next level.
But as Paul Pierce correctly pointed out, the league must also actively welcome the 22-year-old. Ultimately, it is indisputable that her skill and marketability have the capacity to elevate not just women’s basketball but also female sports in general to unprecedented levels. And she’ll need to start this process with her new team, the Indiana Fever.