Undaunted by Backlash, Swoopes Resolutely Rejects Praise for Rookie Sensation Clark
WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes recently spoke on her podcast “Queens of the Court,” where she talked about the improvement of the Indiana Fever while refusing to credit rookie Caitlin Clark for the team’s success.
The Fever have won back-to-back games since the WNBA’s break for the 2024 Summer Olympics. They’ve taken down two experienced teams above .500 in the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm.
Despite Clark posting 29 points and 10 assists in the Fever’s 98-89 victory over the Mercury and 23 points and nine assists in their 92-75 victory over Seattle, Swoopes didn’t mention the rookie when speaking on Indiana’s rise in the standings.
Swoopes credited players like Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, who have also been great since the team’s return from the Olympic break, but there was never a mention of the Fever’s star point guard.
She believes Indiana will keep moving up in the standings if they’re able to keep playing at this level, especially with Hull, Mitchell, and Boston’s success.
“I think the Olympic break really helped Indiana,” Clark said. “I’m going to shout out to Lexie Hull. I’m a big Lexie Hull fan. Lexie Hull shot the leather off the ball in their game against Seattle. Kelsey Mitchell is just stroking; she is just shooting the basketball. Aliyah Boston, almost a triple-double… If Indiana continues to play the way they’re playing, like this, they too are going to move up in the standings.” @Angelo Guinhawa
WNBA fans were infuriated by Swoopes’ comments about the Fever and were quick to share their thoughts on the “lazy analysis.”
“Lazy analysis,” said one fan.
“Haven’t heard anything from Sheryl Swoops in a minute. The Silence is Deafening,” said another fan.
“Not surprising. It must have been too hard for her to acknowledge CC’s new assist record.” mentioned another fan.
Caitlin Clark is currently competing for the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award, mainly battling Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.
Clark has averaged 17.8 points and 8.3 assists per game, leading all rookies in both categories and leading the WNBA in average assists.
Reese, on the other hand, has been a monster on the glass, averaging 13.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts as she misses a three-point field goal during the second half of a game against the Seattle Storm on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. © Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
Swoopes may not want to credit Clark for her success and improvements throughout the season, but the rookie currently has the Fever in playoff contention.
Indiana stands as the No. 7 seed in the WNBA rankings with a 13-15 record. The top eight teams in the league punch their ticket to the postseason, so Clark could surely lead the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
WNBA fans believe Swoopes is flat-out hating on the talented rookie instead of giving her the credit she deserves.
“You forget, Sheryl Swoopes is a generational-level hater,” said one fan “I know people on twitter tend to use hyperbole, but the hate in that woman’s heart is real.”
“I’ll skip on the listen, Swoopes spoke away all of her credibility,” commented another fan.
“They’re trying hard to contain CC at all levels,” explained another fan.
