It’s been over two months since 22-year-old basketball star Caitlin Clark made her entry into the WNBA. Since then, her presence has been subjected to mixed reactions and has unintentionally caused her to become an alleged “polarizing” figure. For some, she is the best thing to happen to the women’s league, given that her presence alone reportedly had an effect on the increase in crowd size and viewership during games. At the same time, however, she has become a controversial figure amongst her rival players who do not wish to credit the league’s rising popularity. Furthermore, Clark has also become the subject of alleged criticism based on her race. All of this reminded NBA legend Derek Fisher of something that he himself participated in during the historic Michael Jordan era of basketball.

A few hours ago, the former Los Angeles Lakers player made an appearance on ‘The Draymond Green Show’. Shining a light on the Caitlin Clark-WNBA Drama, Fisher highlighted his belief that people are just trying to find reasons to either dislike or pass on their criticism to the young star. At the same time, however, he stated being able to resonate with why Clark’s on-court rivals would form a not-so-positive attitude toward her. For players like A’ja Wilson and Diana Taurasi, who have been with the league for a long time, seeing Clark be known as the ‘WNBA’s savior’ would be a tough pill to swallow. Fisher revealed that a similar reason did not allow him to hold up a “candle” for Michael Jordan, who was playing his 11 season with the Chicago Bulls when Fisher was drafted.

“Even when I was young and played in the league, I refused to wear Air Jordans,” said the 49-year-old former player. “Growing up just from a competitive standpoint, it was different. …. A lot of older guys complain about how respectful, and how you guys show each other love, and give each other flowers. Just because we didn’t do that doesn’t mean it’s wrong, because we should have probably been doing more of that, as men, to show love and respect. But still, I want to kick your…. when we get out there every single time”.

Bearing the above example in mind, Fisher revealed that Clark’s subject, while the criticism should be limited only to her basketball skills. He stated that the young athlete should not be attacked due to her skin color or any other external or unconcerned things. At the same time, he believed that the contribution of WNBA players who came before her should not be underestimated.

Serena Williams gives out her support for Caitlin Clark

Amidst all the drama between Caitlin Clark and other WNBA players, the 22-year-old has received a lot of support from outside the basketball spectrum. Amongst the latest people to make their voices heard was 42-year-old tennis legend Serena Williams. During the course of her 29-year professional career, which is still ongoing, Williams suffered the same fate as the basketball star, often being used as an alleged polarizing subject. Therefore, if there was anyone who could teach her to navigate through this hurdle, then it was her.

During the premiere of her new docu-series ‘In the Arena: Serena Williams’, the tennis star was questioned about the advice she would give to Clark. Highlighting her own struggle in dealing with bullying, Williams appreciated the fact that the young player stays “grounded” and doesn’t choose to respond to the hate directed towards her. “She (Clark) doesn’t look at her social (media)” said Williams. “I get it, I don’t either. It’s so important to continue doing what she’s doing. If people are negative, it’s because they can’t do what you do.”

What are your thoughts on Caitlin Clark and the criticism directed towards her? Let us know in the comments down below.