Problem Caitlin Clark must avoid at all costs as popularity grows

The Las Vegas Aces are letting it impact them right now.
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark / Emilee Chinn/GettyImages
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The Indiana Fever are the W’s most popular team because of Caitlin Clark. The rookie brought tons of fans with her after two straight appearances in the NCAA Finals. Clark sold out arenas and was part of several of the most-watched games in league history. Her growing popularity is unmatched and is pushing the entire WNBA to new heights.

The 22-year-old was fantastic at dealing with the fame. She was popular at the University of Iowa, but it has only grown since joining the Fever. Everyone wants to see Clark play and tons of pressure and challenges come with that popularity. She has handled it gracefully, but it is something to monitor.

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon called out her players for lacking focus after falling down 2-0 to the New York Liberty in the WNBA semifinals. See her comments and what Clark should learn from them as she tries to chase glory.

Caitlin Clark must avoid the distractions of being a celebrity

The two-time defending champions are on the verge of being dethroned. They still have three-time MVP A’ja Wilson and plenty of talent. Coach Hammon noted this season has been different in her postgame presser before stating this.

“The whole league has been pissed off for the last eight months, and my players are in commercials and this and that and being freaking celebrities. You get distracted. That’s why it is hard. Human nature is distracting.”

This will only get more difficult as the league’s popularity grows. Even the best players were not superstars until this year. With more fans comes added scrutiny, pressure, and problems. Hammon believes the Aces are letting outside distractions derail their quest for a three-peat.

There is no bigger star in the WNBA than Caitlin Clark. She cannot let the fame get to her. The 22-year-old wants an offseason break. She needs to improve her game and avoid shifting gears to building her brand. Clark must keep the focus on the main thing to unlock her potential.

Expect the Fever’s star to keep handling it well. The entire team blocked out the noise on social media and rebounded from a rough start to make the playoffs. Clark led the way and broke the W’s assists record. She is already elite and hungry for success. Indiana plans on building a winner around her, and the 22-year-old is ready for that challenge.

Caitlin Clark cannot let her popularity get in the way. The Aces are going through it right now and will come back hungry if they get dethroned. Clark needs that same drive to push her game to new heights. The WNBA is loaded with talent, but the superstar wants to stand above everyone. She is close and just getting started. Her popularity is growing too, so stay tuned to see how it all plays out.

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