Caitlin Clark & the WNBA- 10 Questions

Here are ten questions that I have been thinking about…

#1- Will all the WNBA teams actually make it longterm?

Atlanta plays some games in an arena that holds 3,500, Washington 4,200, and Dallas just under 7,000. And those three don’t consistently sell out. 

We all see the WNBA growth, but I am not sure all the franchises are on the same plain. Conn is moving to Houston. Atlanta and Washington have never been the best NBA cities. As the WNBA expands, there will be fewer trips by Caitlin Clark to some of these cities. Costs have gone up in the league, I can’t imagine it will b sustainable to average just 3-4 thousand fans and then move to a larger arena when Indiana comes. 

#2- Does anyone have uglier uniforms than Indiana’s, two-tone red uniforms?

When I look at them, I can’t help but think those uniforms are symbolic of poor administrative decisions in that organization. Is it just me? Do you think they are ugly? 

Was there a sporting goods salesman who had uniforms he had to get rid of?

#3- How many points does Angel Reese give to by not getting back on defense?

I realize she may get more points on offensive rebounds than she gives up by jogging back defensively, but vs. Golden State she gave up double figures in transition points. 

#4- How much of a red flag is it that a 24 year old is having to miss multiple games with back issues?

There have been older athletes, like Larry Bird who battled back issues with age, but it sure seems concerning that Caitlin Clark is missing her second series of games with back issues. 

Injuries are often a mystery, but I wonder how the trainers explain Caitlin Clark going from not missing a game in high school and college, and now struggling to stay on the floor for the second year in a row. 

#5- If you are a serious student of the game of basketball, what teams should you try to watch?

I would recommend watching Golden State and Minnesota. I know Minnesota is an obvious because they are in first place, but it is clear they are absolutely the best coached team in the WNBA. Cherryl Reeves is very good. 

Golden State’s coach, Natalie Nakasa is not far behind. GS is so good defensively. If you are defensive minded, GS is the team to watch. They just keep sending a flood of players at the opponents. For the serious basketball fans, players, or coaches- not only is GS good defensively but they do a lot of interesting things offensively- ULCA cuts, double back door cuts. 

Yes, I am a Fever fan but there are a lot of fun teams and players to watch. 

#6- What teams have the brightest long-term future going forward?

Washington and Seattle are in good share in terms with what they have and the draft picks they have going forward. 

Washington may have the best GM. They have accumulated so much young talent in Sonia Citron, Kiki Irafen, Sahkira Austin, and Lauren Betts. None of these players maybe names getting the same attention at Clark and Bueckers but they have a very bright future. 

Seattle has accumulated Awa Fam, Dominque Melonga, and Flau’Jae Johnson. 

Neither team may compete for championships in the next two years but don’t be surprised if they are the powers of the WNBA in three years. 

#6- What young players should you watch?

Sonia Citron-Washington- She is really good now, and if she is used more effectively, she could break into the Bueckers- Clark bubble. 

Veronica Burton-Golden State- She is the point guard nobody wanted and was picked up by GS in the expansion draft last year. She is really good offensively and defensively. She seems to be a low ego player who is gritty. 

Olivia Miles- Minnesota- Not too insightful of a name is it. She is the difference maker for Minnesota this year at point guard. The players think she is better than Clark.

Malanga and Fam- Seattle- Their ceiling is really high. They seem to be able to play together. 

#7- How much hate do the WNBA players have?

Caitlin Clark voting in All-Star- #2 Fans, #3 Media, #11 Players

Kelsie Plum- #6 Fans, #5 Media, #12 Players

Azzi Fudd- #4 Fans, #15 Media, #28 Players

Alyah Boston- #1 Fans, #5 Media, #8 Players

Clearly the players dislike Clark and the Fever. The last two years, Kelsi Plum might as well have played for the Fever with how the players vote for her. 

With the fans and the players so off on some of these players, both groups probably need to reevaluate their opinions. In my opinions, the fans are more realistic than the players. 

#8- Will this apparent hate or jealousy of the Fever impact their ability to ever draw free agents?

My guess is that how much winning the Fever do and how much drama exists with Clark in the second half will answer that question?

#9- Is the physical play toward Clark just a hate thing?

All of us probably played organized basketball and/or played on the playground, and we faced an angry player who wanted to hurt people. Such players were the exception, not the rule. I believe the same thing is true of defense on Clark. I don’t think most of them are acting with hate. 

The reality is that the scout report on Clark is that you can get her emotionally out of control by being physical. She and her coaches need to figure out how to handle the physical, stay strong emotionally, and shoot free throws. She is shooting the 3rd most FT’s in the W behind Wilson and Stewart- if the Fever are to get rolling, watch how many FT’s Clark is shooting. If the number is not high you decide- is it refs or Clark not getting to the line?

#10- Will the WNBA be more fun in the second half?

I think it will be more fun. The league is so much more balanced and competitive than last year. Headed down the stretch of the regular season will be good, and I think the play-offs will be great. 

As far as the Fever, I am hopeful Clark will be healthy, Boston is ready for great things, and White may actually figure out a rotation that makes sense.