Caitlin Clark has taken the WNBA by storm in her rookie season, quickly becoming one of the league’s most exciting players. With her scoring prowess and playmaking ability, she has amassed individual accolades and helped her team compete at a high level. However, her success has not come without controversy. Along with praise, Clark has faced physical plays and scrutiny, prompting some, like Shannon Sharpe, to point out that she has been on the receiving end of nearly 20% of the total flagrant fouls in the WNBA this season.
This level of physicality has led to widespread discussion among basketball analysts. One of the more vocal commentators, Charles Barkley, expressed his belief that jealousy among WNBA players might be at play. Barkley stated that some players are letting their envy of Clark’s rapid success negatively impact the league’s growth, arguing, “These ladies… cannot have f**** this Caitlin Clark thing up any worse if they tried. For these women to have this petty jealousness… you’re saying to yourself, ‘D***, what is going on here?'”
Not one to shy away from offering his own perspective, Shaquille O’Neal responded to Barkley’s remarks with a differing opinion. O’Neal, while acknowledging Clark’s talent, believes the hype surrounding her has gone too far. He doesn’t see the players’ behavior as jealousy but rather a desire for more balanced recognition throughout the league.
“Loudmouths like Chuck are talking about hating, it’s not hating,” O’Neal said. “It’s like, you’re good, but let’s slow it down a notch. As good as Caitlin Clark is, we’ve had a lot of young ladies who have been doing good, and not getting props. People like props and they want to feel good when you’re talking about [the league]… It’s not hating. Everybody has to wait their turn.”
O’Neal’s stance centers on the importance of acknowledging other players’ contributions, especially as Clark is not the only standout in this year’s rookie class. Players like Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky have also made significant impacts, and O’Neal argues that the conversation should focus on a broader appreciation of talent across the WNBA.
Despite their contrasting opinions, both Barkley and O’Neal have been vocal supporters of the WNBA’s growth, recognizing that this season has been pivotal for the league. The rookie class, led by Clark and Reese, has driven attention, ratings, and excitement for women’s basketball. While Barkley believes that some players’ behavior toward Clark might hurt the league’s progress, O’Neal insists that it’s not an issue of jealousy but rather a natural desire for recognition.
Charles Barkley: "These ladies & I'm a WNBA fan. They cannot have f**** this Caitlin Clark thing up any worse if they tried… For these women to have this petty jealousness. You're saying to yourself, 'Damn, what is going on here?'"@Ringer | #BSPodcastpic.twitter.com/cxRS8pec9D
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 4, 2024
Statistically, Clark’s rookie season has been remarkable, though not without its struggles. She’s averaging 19.2 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, leading all rookies in scoring and the WNBA in assists. However, her turnovers (5.7 per game) and shooting efficiency (42.3%) have been areas of concern. Nevertheless, Clark remains a top candidate for Rookie of the Year, and her performance has continued to make headlines.
As the debate between Barkley and O’Neal unfolds, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA is undeniable, and her presence is helping to elevate the league to new heights. How her career and the league’s narrative develop from here will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
