The introduction of rookies such as Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, and Angel Reese have brought greater scrutiny to WNBA. Their presence has certainly helped the league grow, with more eyes on their games than ever before. However, there have been many detractors who openly criticized the attention being given to the rookies even before they arrived in the league. Nonetheless, soon-to-be mother Brittney Griner took note of the same and reacted quite different from her Phoenix Mercury teammate Diana Taurasi, who had previously given a ‘reality check’ to the then college stars.

Clark and others have experienced a challenging start in the league, having to deal with the increased physicality. Yet, they have performed well. Clark is averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists so far. Reese, the number 7 draft pick, averages 10.6 points, 1.9 assists. Known for her rebounding in college, she has carried that skill into WNBA, averaging 8.9 boards per contest. Cameroon Brink, has shown her defensive strength, averaging 2.6 blocks per game.

When Griner was asked about the exceptional display by the rookies, she chose to uplift them instead of doubting their abilities. As per TMZ, Brittney Griner said, “I think it’s amazing for women’s sports, with these rookies — I think it’s amazing!” And while some might want to discredit Caitlin Clark and others for taking the league to the next level, there is no hiding from the facts.

For starters, this year’s WNBA draft became the most viewed WNBA draft ever, crossing 3 million views. The initial batch of her Indiana Fever jerseys sold out even before her WNBA debut. Clark, Reese and others have also contributed to many sold games in the WNBA this season. The physical aspect of the game is something they will have to navigate, but so far they have been dealing with everything coming their way.

Griner’s words were contradictory to her teammate Taurasi’s opinion when the rookies were still competing in the NCAA a few months back.

During the NCAA women’s Final Four tournament, Taurasi had given her opinion on Clark and others, sending out a warning about the jump to the professional league. She spoke about the difference between the WNBA and the NCAA and how the rookies will find it difficult to adjust to the highest level in the beginning.

“Look, SVP, reality is coming. There’s levels to this thing. And that’s just life. We all went through it. You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to (be playing against) some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time,” Taurasi stated.

Taurasi wasn’t alone in her skepticism. WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes also believed that there was no way Clark would hit the ground running in the league. Back in January, she said, “So, will Caitlin Clark be a good pro? Absolutely. Will Caitlin Clark come into the WNBA and do what she’s doing right now, immediately? Absolutely not. Not going to happen.” But Clark has also found support and the most recently it came from the wife of NFL star Patrick Mahomes.

Taking to X, Brittany Mahomes tweeted, “@caitlinclark22 keep doing your thing!! You’re a baller and it’s incredible to see what you’re doing for the game and women’s sports!!” Her tweet came after Clark was at the receiving end of yet another rough treatment on the court.

Last weekend, Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter gave a shoulder shot to Clark that knocked her to the floor, during Fever’s 71-70 win. Deemed as a common foul at that time, the WNBA upgraded the foul to a flagrant-1 violation.

Angel Reese was also thrown to the floor after being hit in the back of the neck by Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas during their May 25 clash. Reese, however, remained defiant and said, “I want them to come at me every day.” The WNBA rookies are coming to grips with the increased physical aspect of WNBA and it won’t be surprise to see them excel at this level soon, given their early season efforts.

Taurasi’s words disappointed many fans who thought that she was being too critical of Clark’s skills. However, she had added that Clark would “get better,” but that would be possible only after a “transition period.” Clark’s followers, though, didn’t pay much heed to it. The 41-year-old had to again come out and sarcastically slammed fans while justifying her comments.

Diana Taurasi justified her statements on Caitlin Clark

Taurasi in a media chat in April called fans sensitive. “The new fans are really sensitive these days and you can’t say anything. It’s kind of like when you go from kindergarten to first grade there’s a learning adjustment, when you go from high school to college there’s a learning adjustment. I don’t think I said anything that wasn’t factually correct,” the WNBA icon stated.

She also accepted that Clark was a blessed player and that her “greatness” would pay off in the long run. “Like anything, greatness is going to translate and she’s proven that in every level and I don’t see that being any different in the WNBA.”  

Fans will surely be happy to see Griner supporting Clark and hopefully, they will also get over Taurasi’s comments as they cheer Clark on her WNBA journey.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.