Parker walks the fine line between support and scrutiny amid rising tensions in the WNBA
The WNBA today looks vastly different from just a few years ago. The Caitlin Clark effect has taken over the league and has brought immense growth and viewership. However, certain factions have voiced resentment over the league’s current direction, while few have openly supported it.
Many players and WNBA legends have expressed their frustration time and again due to a Clark led WNBA narrative. While many NBA players and analysts have timely showed their support to Caitlin Clark and what she has done for the league.
WNBA legend Candace Parker threw some light on to the controversial conversation. In a recent appearance with Stephen A. Smith, she took a neutral stance and suggested the WNBA is thriving right now.
Candace Parker said, “I’m asked so many times if I’m resentful in any type of way for where the WNBA is right now. My job was to leave the game better than I came into it. You think Cheryl Miller is resentful for me that I had a league to play in?
No. She’s being the mentor that she is, and she’s supporting and loving, and I’m doing the same for Caitlin Clark and all the women in the WNBA. The key is: Let’s keep it about basketball. That’s my thing. And when we do that, then we’re able to really grow the game and what it represents, so I think the WNBA as a whole is in an amazing place.”
Though Candace Parker’s latest comments expressed support for the league’s growth and the stars driving it forward. However, the WNBA legend a week ago again downplayed the Caitlin Clark on-court treatment and the controversy surrounding it.
Since entering the league, the Indiana Fever guard has faced rough physical play and aggressive on-court challenges. The league wide posture has continued against Clark with the new season as well.
Candace Parker on the controversy said, “Star players aren’t ever treated fairly. When you watch NBA or men’s college, star players get any call. In the W, they don’t care. There are no hand check calls. Freedom of movement is different.”
Caitlin Clark is currently recovering from a left quadriceps strain. She is out from action for at least one more week. Her absence has triggered a steep decline in WNBA ratings, coupled with lower attendance figures in arenas.
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