The harsh treatment that Caitlin Clark received during her WNBA rookie season has sparked controversy among observers, supporters, and former players. Many have said that because of the Indiana Fever star’s unparalleled fame, her peers are jealous of and hateful of the youthful guard. Dwyane Wade, though, doesn’t think the charges are credible.
In response to Clark’s harsh treatment, the Hall of Famer stated that it was a necessary rite of passage for all gifted young rookies, including himself, to go through in their early years. Wade recounted his personal experience on the Wy Podcast, saying,
“I’m looking at [Clark’s hazing] like I know what happened my rookie year when I came in. You gonna hit that ground. You about to feel this ground if you think you’re about to keep coming in here. Jamaal Maagloire and P.J. Brown tapped me up every time I ran through the paint.”
Dwyane Wade talks about Caitlin Clark’s need to gain respect
The former point guard for the Miami Heat continued, saying that the 22-year-old phenomenon would need to gain the respect of the veterans and that the only way to put an end to the hazing is to demonstrate that it has no bearing whatsoever on her play. He went on to say,
“You’ve got to show us you’re built for this league… They think it’s a soft league because it’s women playing? This is basketball. You’re talking about some of the greatest athletes in women’s sports. What do you think they’re going to do? Do you think they’re just going to let someone come in, `Go ahead and give us 30.’ No, it’s going to be competitive.”
Wade’s viewpoint can give the impression that he supports hard calls and hazing. The novice has admitted, though, that the veterans’ hostile demeanor toward her is only part of the game.
