Despite Failed Debut, 2x WNBA Champion Lauren Jackson Backs Caitlin Clark Amid Fan Backlash

Who would have thought that fans would turn on Caitlin Clark so quickly after her professional debut? After two defeats in her opening WNBA games, the Indiana Fever’s supposed Messiah is not living up to her hype. In fact, Clark created unwanted history in her first game after turning the ball over 10 times. However, most of the athletes who have walked down the same path have taken her side. This includes the former Seattle Storm star Lauren Jackson. But seems like there is no ending to the bursting basketball fans as they continue to dispirit the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.

The 3x WNBA MVP who now continues her legacy in the celebrated WNBL league, recently added her take on Clark’s performances. Consequently, ESPN took it to its social media accounts to post her views. In the post, Jackson said, “Caitlin Clark will be the next GOAT, she really is going to be one of the greats of the game. But it’s going to take time. I don’t think anyone has ever stepped into the league and dominated except Candace Parker.”

Recently, many such posts have been making rounds. These suggest that Caitlin Clark has a high chance of winning the Rookie of the Year award along with some other accolades. Prior to her debut, some had even suggested Clark might battle it out for the MVP award as well. A feat that only the freshly retired mother of two, Candace Parker, has achieved in the entire history of the WNBA. However, looks like the fans are still getting offended at the Iowa star getting the same respect as the legends of the W.

Fans keep turning on Caitlin Clark with each passing game

Before the 2024 WNBA draft even officially placed Clark in the hands of the Christie Sides-led Indiana, fans had been clamoring up for the star. Within a month, all the rookies, including the 2x NPOY, had to go through the March Madness, the draft, and the training camp. Hence, with no time to breathe, time has been unforgiving for all the 2024 draftees. But one Instagram user could not have people calling Clark GOAT. They simply mentioned how only the new fans would think that the NCAA’s star can be the same in the W just as she enters the league. “Yeah duh. Only her fans who have never watched the W think she would come in and dominate.”

Another basketball follower, however, could not just sit and watch a veteran take the rookie’s side. They mentioned how everyone is hyping up Caitlin Clark while all she is doing is adding turnovers. While many people, including Steven A. Smith, applauded the rookie for 20 points in her very first WNBA game, most people are ignoring that she broke the record in the WNBA’s history with 10 turnovers on debut night. “GOAT???? Girl Only Adding Turnovers???”

The post even attracted followers of other teams. One Mercury fan came to the comments section, taking sides with Diana Taurasi, who did mention the transition period. However, she was heavily thrashed for being a hater of Clark and W’s progress. Hence, the fan agrees with the GOAT in her explanation of the situation for all rookies. “When Taurasi said this she was called a hater, amongst other things. Looks like she was right.”

Another opposing fan entered the comment section and made everyone recall what the WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes had said. Similar to what happened to Taurasi, fans criticized her too. However, even Swoopes had said that while Caitlin Clark will be a good player, it won’t happen instantly. Something she also said about Angel Reese. “The problem was Cheryl Swoopes told yall and you called her a hater.”

However, there were still some Clark supporters. One Clark fan commented some numbers of the best players in the industry today. They also suggested that this is just a transition phase. Surely. Kelsey Plum, Sue Bird, and Sabrina Ionescu all went through this adjusting period, and no one said anything about them. Today, Plum and Ionescu stand amongst the top players in the active list and Bird is a GOAT. Currently, Clark is averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1 steal per outing.

“Some perspective: first season stats: Kelsey Plum 8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists; Sue Bird 10.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists; Sabrina Ionescu 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists.”

Seems like there is no ending to this debate that changes its flow with every game that Caitlin Clark plays. But it is definitely good to see the big guns of the league coming to her side as she tries to continue giving herself some grace. Clark again has a chance at redemption as they travel to Brooklyn in hopes of invading the Liberty’s house.