ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale has come out in defense of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, criticizing WNBA players for their ranking of her as the ninth-best All-Star guard. Vitale, known for his passionate commentary on college basketball, took to social media to express his frustration with how Clark has been treated by her peers in the league. He called the decision ‘absurd,’ emphasizing her significant impact on the WNBA’s growing popularity.
Clark’s ranking was a major talking point on social media, especially given her overwhelming fan support and her role as a key captain for the upcoming All-Star Game. She received over 1.2 million votes from fans, making her a fan favorite. The WNBA typically determines All-Star starters through a combination of fan, media, and player rankings, with weighted scores influencing the final selection. Clark’s ranking of ninth among guards was unexpected, and many questioned the accuracy of the voting process and the way her peers have treated her within the league.
Vitale’s criticism is not isolated; several analysts and fans have raised concerns about the fairness of the voting process and the players’ treatment of Clark. Despite the controversy, Clark has been instrumental in boosting the WNBA’s visibility since joining the league. Her performance this season has been exceptional, with averages of 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, five rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 33.3 minutes per game. While she has faced injuries that have limited her playing time, her impact on the league remains undeniable. As the All-Star Game approaches, Clark and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will be selecting the final players for the squad, and their choices will shape the upcoming game in Indiana.