It will surely be a special moment for WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark who saw Maya Moore as one of her idols while growing up with WNBA dream.
Caitlin Clark recently shared her thoughts on being a part of the memorable game.
The Fever’s next game is at Minnesota, when the Lynx will be retiring 4x WNBA champion Maya Moore’s jersey.
Moore was one of Clark’s idols growing up, and being there for that ceremony will be a “full circle moment:” pic.twitter.com/ODOdv8Ai7Q
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 20, 2024
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Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
How do you feel about Caitlin Clark's admiration for Maya Moore?
Inspired
Indifferent
Annoyed
Proud
Do you agree with DiJonai Carrington's criticism of Cathy Engelbert's leadership in the WNBA?
Absolutely
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Somewhat
No opinion
Whats your Perspective on:
Maya Moore's legacy lives on through Caitlin Clark—Can she fill those legendary shoes?
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Who do you think is the better player in the WNBA right now?
Caitlin Clark
Angel Reese
Sheryl Swoopes
Other
Do you think Kyrie Irving's support was crucial for Klay Thompson's recovery?
Absolutely
Somewhat
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Who cares?
It’s important to note that Moore won the Rookie of the Year award in her debut season in 2011 and now Clark finds herself in the same race as she fights for the ROTY honour this year. While Clark has averaged 17.8 points per game in her debut season until now, the former Lynx star had an average of 13.2 points in her rookie season.
The bond between these two players is undeniable as it was just a few months ago when Maya Moore surprised Caitlin Clark before her NCAA final. The legend appeared during an interview with ESPN’s Elle Duncan and the unexpected moment brought an ecstatic scream from Clark, showcasing the deep admiration she holds for the former Lynx star. Well, Clark also believes that Moore has done so much for the league. That’s true, but what happened that she took retirement at an early age? Let’s recall Moore’s retirement.
Maya Moore’s early retirement
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The Minnesota Lynx star stepped away from the WNBA in 2019 to focus on freeing her now-husband, Jonathan Irons, from prison, successfully overturning his 50-year sentence in 2020. After his release, Moore and Irons married and welcomed their first child, Jonathan Jr. While the legend got busy with her family, she did wait for few years before finally clarifying her future in basketball.
What’s your perspective on:
Maya Moore's legacy lives on through Caitlin Clark—Can she fill those legendary shoes?
Have an interesting take?
“Over the last year, it finally felt right to just close the chapter. Talk about it in a celebratory way. … I’m excited to able to give the clarity to the basketball world,” Moore announced her retirement in 2023. Irrespective of an early retirement, Moore stands as one of the greatest legends in women’s basketball as not only she had two Naismith College Player of the Year awards and a national championship from UConn, she also went on to earn the 2014 WNBA MVP and secured four WNBA titles with the Minnesota Lynx.
When Moore left basketball, she also launched a social action campaign called “Win With Justice” as she started practicing advocacy.
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Debate
Maya Moore's legacy lives on through Caitlin Clark—Can she fill those legendary shoes?