Caitlin Clark has received a variety of reactions from WNBA legends, with some praising her highly and others offering more reserved comments. Among her admirers is three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson, who expressed genuine admiration for Clark on a recent episode of the Bird’s Eye View podcast. Jackson told Sue Bird she loves watching Clark play, especially when she gets into a rhythm, calling it “epically awesome.”
Jackson also showed appreciation for Clark’s teammate Kelsey Mitchell and gave a nod to Tully Bevilaqua, an assistant coach for Indiana Fever and fellow Australian. Jackson said, “I love Kelsey Mitchell. I love the way that she plays. So yeah…and Tully’s an assistant coach there. So of course, I’m like, go Indiana.”
Jackson and Bevilaqua made history together in 2004 as the first Australians to win a WNBA title when the Seattle Storm defeated the Connecticut Sun. Jackson added another championship in 2010 and boasts a distinguished international career, competing in five Olympic Games and earning three silver and two bronze medals for Australia.
Meanwhile, Clark is on the verge of making her mark internationally, with the FIBA World Cup presenting her first major opportunity. Though a potential semifinal face-off between the U.S. and Australia was possible, Spain eliminated Australia with an 89-66 victory. Though Clark is still early in her professional journey, Jackson is watching her development with interest.
On a related note, Dan Dakich of OutKick downplayed concerns about Clark starting off the bench during the World Cup. In a recent clip, the Don’t @ Me host criticized media emphasis on her reserve role, saying, “As long as you win, who cares who you start?… Look, she [Team USA coach Kara Lawson] wants to start veteran players in the FIBA World Cup, maybe give Chelsea Gray or others a last shot at it. Who cares?”
As Team USA prepares to face Spain again, Lawson is expected to keep Gray in the starting lineup over Clark.
Fan Take: For WNBA fans, Lauren Jackson’s praise of Caitlin Clark signals a passing of the torch to a new star destined to elevate the league’s profile. Watching Clark’s international and professional career unfold could inspire wider recognition of women’s basketball and spark fresh excitement around the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
