Every professional athlete has to deal with critics, especially the biggest stars in the game. Caitlin Clark’s experience as a rookie in the WNBA has been no different. Clark quickly established herself as one of the best passers and point guards in the game, claiming her first All-Star nomination and leading the Indiana Fever to an unsuccessful playoff appearance.
One of Clark’s biggest critics has been women’s basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes. Swoopes was the first player to sign with the WNBA, won four titles with the Houston Comets, was named the WNBA MVP three times, took home three Defensive Player of the Year awards, led the league in scoring and steals twice, and won three gold medals at the Olympics. She was also the first female basketball player to have a Nike signature shoe.
Swoopes has a stacked resume and did plenty for the popularity of women’s basketball. Her takes on Caitlin Clark alienated plenty of the current WNBA fans, however. Now, it seems Swoopes has changed her tune a bit.
Sheryl Swoopes complimented the Indiana Fever
ESPNW recently posted a video featuring Sheryl Swoopes on TikTok. In it, she had some nice things to say about Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, surprising many fans.
“The team that I think made the biggest moves, maybe even the best moves, that would be the Indiana Fever,” Swoopes said. “I think the Indiana Fever went from just being in the playoffs last season to potentially winning a championship.”
She went on to praise the additions of veterans DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, Aliyah Boston’s continued improvements, and the work Caitlin Clark evidently put in this offseason.
There is plenty here for Indiana Fever fans to be excited about. First of all, the assessment that the Fever are a championship contender should have the team’s fans ecstatic. As soon as the Fever landed the second number-one pick in a row, it became clear that losing would soon be a thing of the past in Indiana. However, the Fever were able to build a contender sooner than many expected.
The Fever were able to make all the right moves this offseason. Signing DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard gives the Fever veteran stars with championship experience and a defensive boost. Trading NaLyssa Smith for Sophie Cunningham helped the Fever solve one of their main offensive issues last season, allowing them to focus on Clark’s and Boston’s development.
Still, having people say that the Fever can compete with the likes of New York, Las Vegas, and Minnesota is a significant compliment.
Secondly, if Swoopes continues to show her appreciation for the Fever, Clark will have one less critic to deal with.