Caitlin Clark’s Growth Has Been “Growing Pains” Around WNBA Claims Chiney Ogwumike as Stephen A. Smith Agrees

Perspectives around the WNBA are changing. Since the arrival of the WNBA draft’s No. 1 rookie, games have been filled up to 94%, attracting over 400,000 fans. Notably, May’s attendance marks the WNBA’s highest achievement in the last two decades. The Caitlin Clark effect is undoubtedly visible. However, Chiney Ogwumike offers a contrasting viewpoint.

In a recent episode of First Take, Ogwumike spoke about the WNBA and Clark’s performance, which was then uploaded on X. “I think that with all of the growth that Caitlin [Clark] has brought, it has also brought a lot of growing pains…Now you have the opportunity to educate people who are coming with you…so that hopefully the focus can be on the game,” she said.

Despite the viewership that Clark brings, Ogwumike claims to consider another player as the face of the WNBA. However, according to Ogwumike, Clark isn’t the face of the WNBA. “Who’s the face of the WNBA? I would tell you A’ja Wilson.”

A’ja Wilson, one of the key players on the USA’s Olympic roster, averages 28.6 points per game, the highest in the WNBA. Not only this, but she also averages 11.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Aditionally, she proved her worth in a matchup against the Fever. The 2023 WNBA Finals MVP routed Clark and company by 99-80. But, how is Clark performing in the league so far?

Clark’s performance in the WNBA

Currently, the Fever stands with 10 losses and 3 wins in the last 13 games. In their last matchup against the Connecticut Sun, which was also sold out, the Fever lost to the opponent 89-72. While every player on the roster is equally responsible for the underperformance, the Fever’s rookie has been constantly targeted for not being a savior for the team.

As of now, Clark averages 15.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. Even though these stats are impressive, Clark needs to review her game, especially regarding fouls, as she was benched due to four fouls within 22 minutes. So far, Clark quite evidently is not able to deal with the cons of the WNBA.

Since arriving in the WNBA, Clark has been snubbed from the USA’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics and has endured a Flagrant 1 foul by Chennedy Carter. Additionally, in a recent matchup against the Sun, she was mocked by DiJonai Carrington after a foul. Now, the team is gearing up for an upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Dream today. Will the Fever be able to make a stronger comeback?

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.