WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Clarifies Comments on Caitlin Clark, Acknowledges Rookie's Impressive Performance

Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes has addressed previous statements about rising WNBA star Caitlin Clark, clarifying her stance on the rookie's performance. While not labelling Clark's play as "dominating," Swoopes acknowledges the impressive statistics and progress the Indiana Fever guard has made this season.

Sheryl Swoopes, a three-time WNBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer, has elaborated on her previous comments regarding Caitlin Clark, acknowledging the rookie's impressive performance while maintaining her belief that she is not yet "dominating" the league.

WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Clarifies Comments on Caitlin Clark, Acknowledges Rookie's Impressive Performance

Swoopes' initial remarks, made on the "Gil's Arena" podcast, sparked controversy among Clark's fans, who interpreted them as a dismissal of the Indiana Fever guard's impact. However, Swoopes has since clarified her stance, emphasizing that she has never questioned Clark's abilities.

"I've never questioned if Caitlin was a good player; I think she's a hell of a player," Swoopes explained. "My thing was, I thought it would take her some time to adjust to being a professional, and to me, I think that's exactly what she's done."

WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Clarifies Comments on Caitlin Clark, Acknowledges Rookie's Impressive Performance

Swoopes pointed to Clark's impressive statistics this season, including averaging 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, a feat no one in WNBA history has achieved before. Clark has also set numerous WNBA records, including the most single-season assists in league history and the fastest player to reach 300 assists.

While acknowledging these accomplishments, Swoopes believes that Clark is still developing as a professional and does not meet her definition of "dominance."

WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Clarifies Comments on Caitlin Clark, Acknowledges Rookie's Impressive Performance

"To me, that's not dominating," Swoopes said. "People were like, 'Oh my God, you said she wouldn't be good,' but I didn't say she wouldn't be good. What I said was I didn't think Caitlin, or Angel, would come into the league and dominate immediately, which I don't think either of them did."

Swoopes believes that Clark's success is a testament to her hard work and dedication, but she sees room for further growth.

"I still don't think [Clark's] dominating, but she's a different player than she was in the first half of the season," Swoopes said.

Swoopes' previous comments also drew criticism for referencing Clark's college career, stating that she played five seasons while she only played four and averaged over 40 shots per game when the actual average was 22.7.

Swoopes acknowledged that she made "mistakes" in her initial statements and has since reached out to Clark to address the situation.

"I don't owe you all an apology," Swoopes said in an X Spaces chat. "I reached out to Caitlin. We've had a great conversation."

Swoopes' clarification provides a more nuanced view of her perspective on Clark's performance, emphasizing her belief in the rookie's potential while acknowledging the ongoing development process.