Diana Taurasi Defends WNBA’s Tough Physicality Against Caitlin Clark; Shares Positive Words for the Fever Rookie

With an average of 2.3 million viewers on ESPN, Caitlin Clark’s last game against her arch-rival Angel Reese broke another viewership record. And for May, she was announced as the Rookie of the Month. So the Indiana Fever player has answered her critics well about her adjustment to the league. One such critic was Diana Taurasi who had previously raised a few doubts about the recently awarded Honda Cup Winner. Now after seeing firsthand what Caitlin Clark is capable of, Taurasi had words of encouragement for the Fever#22.

“If you’re great at what you do, you will adjust and evolve.” Diana Taurasi recently shared her thoughts on the WNBA’s evolution. When asked if the league is being extra physical against Clark, Taurasi quickly shut down the notion. “That’s the ultimate sign of respect! When you come into the league and everyone’s eyes are on you—and you’re getting the best defender every game, double-teamed on every pick and roll, face guarded, top lined—that’s respect from the other team.”

The oldest player in the league spoke with GQ Sports and explained further that the transition phase is always difficult for a rookie. “It’s like anything. It’s the next level, and it takes time. When you go back and look at all the greats, it takes time to get used to all of it. It’s a different type of sensory (experience). It’s a different speed.” Taurasi also responded about the pressure and the attention that the rookie class has been getting.

She called them an amazing group because of the way they’ve handled the pressure well. Plus, navigating through NIL deals and getting better at the business from a young age will be fruitful for the next generation. Regarding this, Taurasi also expressed concern over the rookies doing business meetings around the clock and not getting enough time to sleep.

Recently, Caitlin Clark set records with her Nike contract and then with Wilson Sporting Goods Co. She became the first athlete since Michael Jordan to sign for the league’s official basketball supplier. Yet previously Taurasi didn’t pick Clark as her number 1 choice.

Diana Taurasi did not mince her words for Caitlin Clark

During her Iowa days, Sue Bird & Diana Taurasi, the celebrated WNBA names, overlooked her in favor of Paige Bueckers while answering a fan question. Bird and Taurasi were doing the alternate broadcast ‘The Bird and Taurasi Show’ featuring on ESPN during the NCAA’s Final Four this year. The fan questioned the two veterans to choose between Caitlin Clark or Bueckers for building a future WNBA team.

While Bird debated and said she could make a case for either of the two, Taurasi’s short and quick answer. She said, “I’m taking Paige, next question.” When pressed again by Bird if DT was sure, she said “Absolutely.” While preferring Bueckers over Clark was an opinion her dismissive attitude was telling a different story. But she won’t go easy on her words even later.

“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 come with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time.” Taurasi spoke to the Hartford Courant in early April. What she meant was that the then-Hawkeyes Caitlin Clark would find it difficult to find her own in the beginning. Due to the transition period, Clark would face some difficulties.

The #1 draft pick of 2024 definitely had faced certain challenges, but she was quick to lay her mark with the accolades and never seen before performances.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.”