Caitlin Clark may not be competing in All-Star weekend events, but fellow WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu says her presence will still be felt. Ionescu, a member of the New York Liberty, expressed her disappointment over Clark’s latest injury that ruled her out of the All-Star festivities, but she emphasized that Clark’s impact on the league remains profound. Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, was sidelined due to a groin injury, marking her third such setback this season. As a result, she will miss the 3-point contest on Friday and the All-Star Game on Saturday.
Ionescu, reflecting on Clark’s influence, assured fans that her contributions to the game go far beyond her playing role. During a press conference, Ionescu highlighted the enthusiasm and energy Clark brings to the Indiana Fever, stating, ‘You’re able to see that with just the excitement in Indy right now, regardless of if she’s playing or not.’ She acknowledged the disappointment and frustration Clark must be feeling, having experienced similar struggles in her own career. Ionescu shared her perspective on overcoming injury challenges, drawing from her own experiences in her first year, when she was sidelined due to an injury, and her second year, when she faced multiple soft tissue injuries.