Diana Taurasi Encourages Rookie Caitlin Clark Amidst Early Season Struggles

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi has expressed optimism for Indiana Fever rookie sensation, Caitlin Clark, who is facing some challenges in the initial stretch of the 2024 WNBA season.

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi has expressed confidence in Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, despite the young sharpshooter's recent struggles in the early stages of the 2024 WNBA season.

Clark, a highly touted prospect out of Iowa, has had a tough start to her professional career, facing off against two of the Eastern Conference's top teams in the Connecticut Sun and the New York Liberty. Her struggles have been evident, with a modest 20 points against the Sun and a mere 9 points against the Liberty in her home debut.

Despite Clark's early setbacks, Taurasi, who had previously warned Clark of the "reality" of professional basketball, has clarified her message and believes that the former Hawkeye standout has the potential to succeed in the league.

"You know these days, everything takes a life of their own," Taurasi said on Arizona Sports' "Bickley & Marotta." "Every little snippet, every little comment, any quote taken out of context.

"Look, I only said it because when I watch games — and I’m sure when you talk to any professional athlete — you think about what they’ll look like as a pro. How will it translate? It’s going to translate. Like any college quarterback, it’s going to take time."

Taurasi's words of encouragement come as Clark faces the physicality of the WNBA, which she admits is a significant step up from the collegiate level.

"It’s an uncomfortable league. It’s physical, it’s a grind. You never feel comfortable. You feel used to the things around you (as you play more)," Taurasi said. "At the same time, she’s in an interesting position where she’s played on the ball her whole career. Sometimes you have to play off the ball, sometimes that’s the solution."

Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides has also challenged her team to improve their mental toughness after the disappointing loss to the Liberty.

"If somebody keeps punching you, you've got to be able to respond to it," Sides said, via Athlon Sports. "You've gotta give some of that back. And that's where we are. We've got to get to another level of mental toughness.

"We just have to get better. More mentally tough."

Despite the early challenges, Taurasi remains confident in Clark's potential.

"She's a young player. She's a great player. She's going to figure it out," Taurasi said. "I have no doubt about that."

Clark and the Indiana Fever will look to bounce back when they face the New York Liberty again on Saturday afternoon.