NBA commissioner Adam Silver made it clear there are no shortcuts for Caitlin Clark at the pro level, but he’s imploring everyone to give her room to adapt.

The Fever rookie has been at the center of attention — and heated debates about how her star power has impacted the WNBA and its players — since Indiana selected the Iowa product with the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

“I think Caitlin [Clark] knows, she’s ultimately got to prove it on the floor, and you can’t anoint stars in this league,” Silver said during an appearance on ESPN’s pre-game show, “NBA Countdown,” before the Celtics’ Game 3 win over the Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

“.. I believe she’s going to deliver. She seems to have the character and the drive and the will and the talent. But let her evolve as a player. I want to take the pressure off her, not put more pressure on her.”

Adam Silver talks about balancing Caitlin Clark's star power and the overall growth of the WNBA in the 2024 season.
Adam Silver talks about balancing Caitlin Clark’s star power and the overall growth of the WNBA in the 2024 season.ABC

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) returns the ball against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on June 10, 2024.