Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA with expectations that few rookies have ever faced. Not only was she seen as the potential savior for the Indiana Fever, a team mired in a seven-year playoff drought, but she also carried the weight of elevating the entire league’s profile after igniting a surge in women’s basketball popularity during her college career.
At just 22 years old, the Iowa native was thrust into a grueling start to her professional career, facing an intense schedule with 11 games in 20 days, many of which were against the league’s elite teams and aired on national television. The Fever stumbled to a 2-9 start, with Clark struggling earlier, recording just one double-double, three single-digit scoring games, and more turnovers than rebounds. This led some to question whether her college dominance would immediately translate to the WNBA.
However, Clark quickly adapted to the professional game. She now leads the WNBA in assists, averaging 8.3 per game, and has created a league-high 1,012 points through her scoring and playmaking. The Fever have matched their win total from last season and are currently tied for the fourth-most victories since the beginning of July. Clark’s name is already etched in the WNBA history books; she recently broke Ticha Penicheiro’s 26-year-old record for most assists by a rookie, doing so with 12 games still left in the season. Additionally, Clark set the single-game assists record with 19 in a loss to the Dallas Wings before the Olympic break.
As her rookie season approaches its final stretch, it’s clear that Clark is putting together one of the most remarkable debut campaigns in league history, particularly for a guard.
“It’s amazing what Caitlin’s been able to do in her short career so far. It’s just been nothing short of remarkable,” said Diana Taurasi, a WNBA legend herself. “The one thing that I really love about her is she loves the game. You can tell she’s put the work in. And even throughout her short WNBA career, with all the pressure and expectations, she keeps showing up and keeps getting better every single game. So her future is super bright.”
Caitlin Clark turned up the heat in our first two games back to earn @AP Player of the Week honors 🌡️
26.0 PPG
9.2 APG
5.0 RPG pic.twitter.com/utR9xvCaBp— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 21, 2024
Taurasi, who knows firsthand the challenges young guards face in the WNBA, recognizes the significance of Clark’s accomplishments. Historically, most standout rookie seasons have come from frontcourt players like Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson, all of whom dominated from positions closer to the basket. While guards like Rhyne Howard and Diana Taurasi herself have had impactful rookie seasons, Clark’s performance stands out even more.
Sue Bird, often regarded as the greatest point guard in WNBA history, averaged 14.4 points and 6 assists per game in her rookie season in 2002. Clark’s current averages of 17.8 points and 8.3 assists per game surpass Bird’s marks, and she boasts a higher field goal percentage. Bird was named a first-team All-WNBA player as a rookie, a level of recognition that Clark is now vying for as she continues to make her mark.
As the season winds down and award discussions heat up, the question remains: Is Caitlin Clark the best rookie guard the WNBA has ever seen? With her record-breaking performances and ability to lead under pressure, she’s making a strong case that she might just be.
