There is no denying that Caitlin Clark has received more spotlight than anyone else for the league’s recent growth. So the former LSU Tigress wanted it known there isn’t just one factor at play. “It’s not just because of one person” — Angel Reese declared a few months ago. But a few still don’t seem to majorly consider that, focus centered on Clark.

The discussion on the severe physicality against the Indiana Fever rookie emerged during Rick Barry and George Gervin’s podcast interview with Joy De’Angela. “They [WNBA stars] don’t know the value that she [Clark] is bringing for all of them,” Gervin said. He highlighted facilities like private planes and higher coverage on major networks became possible because of Clark raising WNBA’s popularity.

Without mentioning Reese the whole time, the ex-NBA star further stated the league should desire more players like Caitlin Clark. “She remind me of Tiger Woods of Golf. He brought the paycheck… They didn’t have it [all these new benefits] before she got here,” he adds.

No one can deny that the Fever rookie has had a major impact on her team, and in turn, on the WNBA as well. As per last month’s article by Sportico, the Fever witnessed a league-high 186k fans attending the team’s home games by mid-August itself. A 265% growth from what the franchise did in the 2023 season.

In terms of online engagement as well, Clark has made the Fevers stand out by huge margins. Notably, Fever outranked NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB teams between April 15 and July 19 with 800 million views. But at the same time, it is not to be forgotten that Reese has been a crucial factor as well. More so with the fan-perceived rivalry, the duo together brings to the league.

So, it’s clear that Gervin’s statement, where he did not even mention Reese, will most likely not go down well with the Chicago Sky rookie. Especially after she clearly demanded her recognition in this regard. This came after Reese faced fan criticism for her supportive reaction on Chennedy Carter’s flagrant hard foul against Clark.

Highlighting that she has been facing such fan backlash for two years now, she stated she’d accept it all as long as it means popularity for women’s basketball. But not without due recognition to her. “It’s not just because of one person. It’s because of me too and I want you to realize that,” she added.

Rick Barry’s take on physicality against Caitlin Clark is also likely to upset the Sky rookie

During the podcast interview with Joy De’Angela, Barry stated he finds it reprehensible what players are allowed against a league asset like Clark. “Anybody that does something flagrant to this young lady for what she has brought to the game should be suspended. And fined big time for doing that,” he said.

If Reese did not like Charles Barkley calling WNBA players petty or their physicality toward Clark, she will most likely not take Barry’s comments well either. Notably, Chuck’s statement came after the aforementioned incident of Carter’s hard foul against the Fever rookie.

During the time, Shaquille O’Neal — a close connection of Angel Reese — was also sitting beside Chuck. And as revealed by the Big Deisel on his podcast, he later received a call from Reese, for not objecting Barkley’s remarks. “She was upset (and asked me), ‘Why you didn’t say nothing?'” the ex- LA Lakers star revealed.

Now, Barry’s comments come after another Sky star, Diamon DeShields, committed a hard foul against Cailtin. But again, if Reese did not like Barkley’s objection. The chances are very thin that she will support Barry’s extreme measure to protect Clark against flagrant fouls.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.