Clearly Caitlin Clark has drawn the attention of many, many fans- and brought fans to watch the WNBA. Fans analyze her game, and experts analyze her game. So why should I be any different?
My question is: What is it that makes Caitlin Clark great?
We could start out by her ability to shoot threes. Last year she set a record for rookies with 122 made threes. That is the second most in WNBA history.
Others might say it is not just making threes, it is the “logo three.” As a rookie, the average length of her three point shots was 28.04 feet (the arc is 22’1”). To put in perspective, the longest average threes in a season for Steph Curry was 27.6 feet.
Her ability to get to the free throw line is uncanny, and last year she shot 90% from the line.
In defining her greatness, you certainly don’t want to forget her passing. She led the WNBA with 8.4 assists last year. Last year Clark set the record for assists in the season and in a game when she had 19 assists in one game.
I don’t mean to diminish how good she is as a shooter, as a long range shooter, and as a passer- but during the four games she has sat out with an injury, she has revealed two other qualities that may be better than her shooting and her passing.
While on the bench with her injury, it has become obvious that she is connected to her teammates. Every time out, she gets up and greats them when they come off the floor.
And clearly she has passion. In the last four games, she didn’t just show up and watch. She is actively engaged. This clear display of passion has to be the source of her greatness- passion has to be the “fuel” which has separated her and made her a star.
She has clearly supported her teammates during this this time away from playing. She leads by example, it’s not all about her. It’s about whose out there in the battle and supporting the players like Caitlin has done I’m sure has been appreciated.
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