Is Caitlin Clark Being Treated Unfairly in the WNBA?
There has been ongoing debate about whether the media and the WNBA are treating Caitlin Clark unfairly. Last season, many felt that the contributions of the Indiana Fever rookie were not fully appreciated, despite the fact that her presence significantly boosted the league’s popularity. The Fever experienced a 265% rise in attendance and a 1,000% increase in team store sales, demonstrating her impact. However, some believe jealousy may be influencing opinions about Clark.
A notable voice in this discussion is TV host Rachael De Mita, who recently expressed frustration over Clark’s placement in Bleacher Report’s Top 20 WNBA players list. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star was ranked at #5, a position De Mita found questionable.
Examining the WNBA Player Rankings
The rankings place Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson at the top, followed by Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, and Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas. While De Mita agreed with the first three choices—since they mirrored the WNBA’s MVP voting results—she found it puzzling that Clark was placed below Thomas. In the MVP race, Clark finished fourth, yet the Bleacher Report ranking dropped her to fifth.
De Mita openly criticized this, calling it a “crazy” decision. She questioned why Clark was ranked behind Thomas, stating that while Thomas is an experienced veteran, Clark is only heading into her second season and has plenty of room to grow.
Bleacher Report justified Clark’s ranking by pointing to concerns about her defense and ball security. However, De Mita dismissed these critiques, expressing frustration over the repeated focus on Clark’s turnovers and lack of championships. She argued that Indiana Fever has strengthened its defense by adding key players and that Clark, after having a full offseason to rest and train, will likely come back even stronger.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The rankings make more sense when considering the individual performances of the top players.
A’ja Wilson: The 2024 WNBA MVP led the league in scoring, blocks, player efficiency rating, and win shares, making her a clear choice for the #1 spot.
Napheesa Collier: The Minnesota Lynx star was the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, further solidifying her standing at #2.
Breanna Stewart: A key figure in leading her team to the WNBA Finals, she rounded out the top three.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. Clark, on the other hand, posted stronger offensive numbers with 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. However, Thomas was instrumental for the Connecticut Sun in multiple roles, contributing both as a ball-handler and a scorer, and even securing a playoff victory over Clark’s Fever.
Looking ahead, Thomas will be playing for the Phoenix Mercury in the upcoming season, providing her with a new opportunity to chase a long-elusive championship. As for Clark, her impressive rookie campaign was achieved with minimal rest. With a full offseason under her belt, expectations for her second season are even higher.
The Bigger Debate
The question remains: Is Caitlin Clark’s #5 ranking justified, or is it a sign of bias against her? The discussion continues among analysts and fans alike, with some arguing that Clark’s undeniable talent and impact deserve more recognition. Others believe that the ranking is fair, considering the well-rounded contributions of the players ranked above her.
What do you think? Is Clark being undervalued, or is this simply part of the usual debates surrounding player rankings?