Women’s basketball legend Nancy Lieberman has made waves in the WNBA by calling on her peers to ’embrace’ Caitlin Clark, the star of the Indiana Fever. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Lieberman urged players to view Clark not with envy but as a future financial driver for the league. Her remarks came in the wake of Clark’s recent All-Star ranking, where she was placed ninth among guards, yet received the most fan votes.
Lieberman drew a parallel between Clark’s situation and that of past iconic athletes such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, whose success was often a catalyst for the growth of their respective sports. She emphasized that while Clark’s current success is undeniably important, the focus should be on collective growth rather than individual competition. ‘This is what Caitlin Clark is,’ Lieberman said. ‘Don’t hate her. If she happens to be the cash cow right now, embrace it.’ She criticized the notion of petty jealousy, encouraging players to celebrate each other’s achievements rather than undermine them.
In addition to her comments on Clark, Lieberman praised other top WNBA players, including stars like Sabrina Ionescu and A, noting their contributions to the league’s success. She urged teammates to stop nitpicking and focus on their performance on the court. However, Lieberman also acknowledged Clark’s recent struggles, including injuries that have limited her playing time and affected her performance. The WNBA has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and Lieberman’s comments suggest a desire to foster a more cohesive and supportive environment for all players.
Clark, who recently faced criticism following the All-Star rankings, has had a challenging season. Her 16.9 points and 8.6 assists per game are impressive, but her limited appearances have drawn attention. Despite this, Lieberman’s message aims to unite the league’s stars, emphasizing teamwork and mutual support. Her call to action highlights a shift in focus towards the broader success of the WNBA, rather than the individual achievements of its stars.