Former NBA player-turned-analyst Tim Legler has some harsh words for Caitlin Clark amid her rough start in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever. Interestingly, Legler’s commentary has sparked a variety of reactions.
Legler turned heads on Friday after he said that it will probably take more time for Clark to get adjusted to the WNBA because she doesn’t have a clear advantage against her opponents. Unlike in college basketball where Clark utilizes her speed to beat her defenders, it hasn’t been the same in the pros where players are more experienced and physically gifted.
“Caitlin Clark doesn’t have any advantages physically. She’s not going to be quicker than the people she’s playing against…she’s not stronger…so the adjustment period for her is going to take even longer in terms of having that consistent night to night impact,” Legler said on ESPN’s First Take.
This take from Legler drew several reactions, with some agreeing to his take and others explaining what the Fever are doing wrong when it comes to using Caitlin Clark.
“He spoke nothing but the truth in this clip. No knock on her, but this is the reality for her now,” a commenter wrote.
Another one said, “This is what it is when you go up a level in sports, you’re not the big dog anymore and there is going to be a period of adjustment. Your game has to evolve if you want to excel.”
As mentioned, there were others who were quick to defend Clark.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball down court, Thursday, May 16, 2024, during the Indiana Fever home opener game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
“The real problem is they have her playing a style of basketball that doesn’t utilize her s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁set. It’s one thing to have to adjust to the physicality but it’s another to have Aaliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark not run PNR but instead have Caitlin in the corner like Duncan Robinson,” a fan noted.
A second supporter even compared Clark to Curry, who also didn’t have the best starts to his NBA career, “Fair enough and the same can be said for Steph Curry and look what he turned into.”
Another fan had the same sentiments, saying, “Is Steph Curry the fastest, tallest, no But his coach and teammates know what they are doing CC teammates outside of Boston are useless.”
Clark and the Fever remain winless after two games, with the 2024 no. 1 pick struggling to get her offense and usual efficiency going. Clark has shown that she can perform at a high level, though true enough, it might take some time before she makes the same impact on the Fever as she has had in college with Iowa.