“I Don’t Have Frustration Around That”: WNBA Legend Sue Bird Denies Resentment Towards the Media Hype and Attention on Caitlin Clark

Clearly, many are ecstatic with the kind of attention that Caitlin Clark has brought to the WNBA. However, on numerous occasions, jealousy rumors surfaced that some of the old guards of the game were not pleased about the massive surge in her popularity. Anyhow, it appears that 4× WNBA champion and Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird is not among those.

The iconic point guard recently rubbished any and every such news while appearing on The Rich Eisen Show. Suzy Shuster asked her to reflect on the level of frustration she has when she hears that the first question of any basketball debate now is Caitlin Clark. To which the 43-year-old responded, “I don’t have frustration around that. I think that superstars do ignite leagues, they do carry them on. We’ve seen it on the men’s side, We’ve seen it on the women’s side as well. It doesn’t really frustrate me.” 

Following this, the 13× WNBA All-Star pointed out that everything that is transpiring around Clark from an amazing college basketball season to getting the No.1 draft pick is her moment. Sue Bird also added that how all this hype and focus is good for the overall elevation of the WNBA. She further said, ” The WNBA viewership and all the numbers were already on the rise. To me, Caitlin was just this match that kind of ignited it and made it bigger. So, she accelerated everything quite a bit.” 

Finally, she expressed that she was thankful to Caitlin Clark for the excitement and the eyeball she has attracted towards the women’s division. Meanwhile, she is not the only one who spared a thought about the NCAA Division I all-time women’s leading scorer.

Diana Taurasi clears the air

Interacting with Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Friday, the 41-year-veteran clarified that her previous comments on Clark were taken out of context. Taurasi said, “You know, these days, everything takes a life of their own. Every little snippet, every little comment, any quote taken out of context. Look, I only said it because when I watch games and I’m sure when you talk to any professional athlete you think about what they’ll look like as a pro.” After this, she evaluated Clark’s struggles in the opening two games and opined, “How will it translate? It’s going to translate. Like any college quarterback, it’s going to take time.” 

Caitlin Clark is set to face the New York Liberty again on Saturday at the Barclays Center. It will be interesting to see what she brings to the table in Fever’s second road game. Moreover, the adjustments she makes as a pro is also worth noticing.