Mercury star Diana Taurasi responds to criticism over Caitlin Clark comments

It’s no secret that Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest names to follow coming into the 2024 WNBA season.

And many WNBA players have shared their thoughts on Clark’s growing impact on women’s basketball, but some opinions have ruffled feathers.

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi found out quickly how big Clark’s fanbase was when she commented on Clark’s entry into the league, while leading ESPN’s alternate broadcast of the Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four with former WNBA star Sue Bird in early April.

“Look, SVP, reality is coming,” Taurasi told SportsCenter’s Scott Van Pelt about Clark on April 6. “There’s levels to this thing. And that’s just life. We all went through it. You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to (be playing against) some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time.”

“Not saying (Clark’s skills) are not gonna translate, because when you’re great at what you do, you’re just gonna get better,” Taurasi added. “But there is gonna be a transition period where you’re gonna have to give yourself some grace as a rookie.”

The comments didn’t sit well with fans on social media. Taurasi reiterated her point on Sunday during a preseason availability that she’s not taking away from Clark’s talent.

“The new fans are really sensitive these days and you can’t say anything,” Taurasi said. “It’s kind of like when you go from kindergarten to first grade there’s a learning adjustment, when you go from high school to college there’s a learning adjustment. I don’t think I said anything that wasn’t factually correct. Like anything, greatness is going to translate and she’s proven that in every level and I don’t see that being any different in the WNBA.”

Clark has been a big selling point for WNBA teams as interest continues to rise. The Mercury haven’t shied from that strategy.

Taurasi, who was also the top pick in her draft class, had her upcoming game against Clark at Footprint Center on June 30 marketed as “The GOAT” (greatest of all time) vs. The Rook. As expected, the demand for the game remains high and the upper bowl has been opened less than three weeks after the tickets were released. The cheapest single ticket now goes for $44.

Mercury tease Diana Taurasi vs. Caitlin Clark WNBA battle amid backlash

This potential Mercury-Fever showdown of GOAT vs potential GOAT will fuel basketball fans’ fires.

The Phoenix Mercury are coming off a disappointing 2023-24 season. Nevertheless, the franchise is looking forward to bouncing back under the longtime leadership of WNBA legend Diana Taurasi. Taurasi has taken heat for her opinions on Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark, but that has not stopped her team from marketing an exciting showdown against the Indiana Fever in 2024.

Phoenix is reportedly already selling tickets for the team’s June 30th matchup against Indiana, per Darren Rovell. In addition, the team released a graphic reading “The GOAT vs. The Rook,” foreshadowing Diana Taurasi’s matchup with Caitlin Clark.

Clark has not been drafted by the Fever yet, but she is the overwhelming favorite for the 2024 first pick, which Indiana possesses. A Taurasi-Clark battle would surely fire basketball fans up. However, many were not pleased with one of Taurasi’s takes on Clark.

The veteran guard suggested that the reason Clark looked “superhuman” at Iowa was because she faced college players and not WNBA players, as recalled by Men’s Journal. There could be truth to Taurasi’s statement, but some took it as a downplay on Clark.

Ironically, Clark eclipsed Taurasi’s three-point NCAA Tournament record after she shot 9-20 in Iowa’s Elite 8 victory over LSU. The star guard is surely an elite talent, who barring anything extreme happening, should see success in the WNBA.

Regardless of the backlash Taurasi is facing, she likely looks forward to facing Clark in future professional battles.

It makes sense for the renowned women’s basketball GOAT to root for someone who further elevates the sport and has the potential to become the GOAT herself. Taurasi is not the only one providing sentiment to Clark amid her major basketball buzz.

Caitlin Clark’s potential Mercury matchup should see unwavering support

Other analysts, players, and fans have criticized Clark amid her basketball hype. However, golf influencer Paige Spiranac detested unnecessary hate for the star guard.

“The hate towards Caitlin Clark from current and former players is disappointing but not surprising. Women can be absolutely vicious to other women while also preaching empowering the next generation. I’ve seen it firsthand but we must remember a rising tide lifts all boats,” Spiranac stated.