WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes posted the newest episode of her podcast, “Queens of the Court,” on Apple Music on July 30. During her conversation on the current state of the WNBA, she shared her thoughts on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.
Swoopes has mentioned that the Fever guard has “done exactly what was expected of her” and isn’t shocked with the numbers that Clark has been able to produce in her rookie season.
While debating the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award, Swoopes shared a few points on Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, who is her pick to win the award. She thinks Reese is going “crazy,” given her ability to impact both ends of the floor.
When mentioning that Reese has led the Sky to the No. 8 seed in the WNBA rankings, Swoopes downplayed Clark’s contribution with the Fever.
“In my opinion, Caitlin has way more talent around her on her team to help her be successful than Angel has with Chicago,” Swoopes said.
The Fever had three WNBA All-Stars this season, while Reese was the sole All-Star in Chicago, so Swoopes’ debate does carry some weight.
“Let’s also remember Aliyah Boston was Rookie of the Year last year. Kelsey Mitchell has always been a bucket,” Swoopes said.
Swoopes believes Clark has been a great player, but there are flaws to her game, unlike Reese.
“For me, even when I look at Rookie of the Year, it can’t just be about one thing. Yes, Caitlin, her passing, her assists, insane… On the other side of that, defensively, Caitlin’s not defending the other team’s best perimeter players,” Swoopes continued.
The Fever rookie is averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game. While those are solid stats for a rookie, Swoopes pointed out her inability to defend.
Swoopes thinks Clark being able to take plays off on the defensive end brings down her value as a player.
Reese, on the other hand, is averaging 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game while guarding the opposing team’s best post player.