There has obviously been plenty of discussion surrounding Caitlin Clark in her record-breaking rookie season in the WNBA. Plenty of LA Clippers fans have no doubt kept up with the action, especially given the all-encompassing nature of Clark's greatness at such a young age.
For some context, Caitlin was the first pick in the WNBA draft earlier this year, and she has since already written her name into the history books of the league in just one full season with the Indiana Fever. With an intense amount of pressure on her, Clark rose above it and has delivered in a big way.
She has reached an unheard of number of records and achievements in her rookie season, including making the second-most three pointers in a season ever, logging the most assists by a rookie ever, becoming the first rookie in league history to reach 400 points and 200 assists, and so on and so forth. We could go on for a long time.
But as we know, there is no light without dark. For all the great things Caitlin has accomplished, there will be those that come along and try to bring negativity for no reason other than to start drama or bring someone down. That is what former three-time WNBA MVP Sheryl Swoopes has done.
for those who wants to see the clip pic.twitter.com/4FXpughNAZ
— max (@maxylouvr) September 17, 2024
Sam Dekker spoke up on Sheryl Swoopes' unfounded criticism of Clark
Recently appearing on Gil's Arena with former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, Swoopes speculated that some of Clark's Fever teammates may not be totally satisfied with playing next to a player who is getting so much national media attention. She referenced seeing things on social media, but confirmed that she has not spoken to anyone specific who has said these things.
While this could be a realistic talking point in theory, it seems more so that this is simply more evidence of Swoopes' distaste for the superstar rookie. Former Clippers player Sam Dekker decided to chime in on the subject, quoting a video of Swoopes' comments on X.
"Being on the Rockets with Prime Harden was the best s--- ever," wrote Dekker. "We were on National TV all the time, won a ton of huge games in awesome moments, and he made the game incredibly easy for guys like me. I don’t believe for a second that the team dislikes it."
This perspective makes a lot more sense than being disgruntled that a teammate of yours is getting a lot of shine. Sure, there may be some players that wish the spotlight was on them instead, but isn't that more of a problem with their perspective? In a team sport, seeking personal glorification over team success does not seem like a formula for flourishing. Dekker did a great job of pointing out what seems like a more accurate read on this situation.