NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The WNBA needed a face. They already have a team with the Las Vegas Aces and their back-to-back championships. But what they needed was an individual to help sell the league. They now have that with Caitlin Clark. However, Clark is not ready to be that face, just yet.
Her Indiana Fever (1-7) team is at the bottom of the standings. While growing pains were to be expected, did the WNBA expect this? But what’s so amazing about being the face is that even when your team is losing, you could be winning. Clark is doing rookie things on the court but off, she reaching Michael Jordan-like endorsement status. She has her own shoe with Nike, just signed a lucrative deal with Wilson, and has drawn millions of fans to the WNBA.
Now, she has to lead her team to victories. Imagine what she could do endorsements-wise if the Fever won games. But those diehard Caitlin Clark fans don’t care, what they care about is her making a name for herself.
Each time you open your web browser, there is a sports stat praising Clark’s accomplishments in just her first few games in the league. While most are positive, very few speak on the negative side. She’s only hitting 31 percent from outside. In 8 games already, Clark is averaging 5.5 TO per game. She’s leading the Fever in Minutes Per (32.1) Points (17.3) and assists (6.3).
Is Caitlin Clark The New Face Of The WNBA
She’s under a microscope and this is what the WNBA wanted. It was the same thing with Jordan. The same was true for Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, and the same was true for LeBron James when they all came into the league. She’s the WNBA version of Neo–she’s The One.
But like Neo, LeBron, Jordan, Magic, and Bird she has to start winning. The WNBA cannot afford for the Fever to be at the bottom of the standings all season. She is being awarded a pass as she’s adapting but how long will that pass last? Look at Candace Parker, Aja Wilson, Sheryl Swoops, and those before her. They were given the keys to the league and won titles. Clark has to do the same.
Jordan was marketable well before he won a championship. But as soon as he grabbed that first one, he became “that guy”. With just 12 teams in the WNBA, the Fever can catch a wave. With the right draft picks and a few great free-agent moves, why can’t the Fever become the next Aces? But, for that to happen, Caitlin Clark has to be better than she is now.
Selling shoes and signing basketballs are just part of the process. What she does on the court will define her legacy. Yes, the hatred she’s receiving from many is not warranted. Clark has never stated she wanted this type of attention. She never asked for all the praise and hatred. All she wants to do is play ball. Hell, Jordan didn’t ask for it. Kobe didn’t ask for it, and neither did Bird or Magic. It just comes with the territory.
She’s just a rookie still learning her way. Give Caitlin Clark time to get adjusted to the WNBA game. Her time will come. In a few years, she will be the face of the WNBA. But then again, JuJu Watkins will be here soon…
