Basketball Icon Urges WNBA to Embrace Caitlin Clark and Ditch Jealousy

In a passionate plea, women’s basketball icon Nancy Lieberman has called on WNBA players to rally behind rising star Caitlin Clark, urging them to set aside any jealousy and recognize her as a pivotal force for the sport’s future. Speaking recently, Lieberman didn’t hold back, comparing Clark’s impact to legends like Michael Jordan during the Detroit Pistons’ "Bad Boys" era and Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour.

“Don’t hate her,” Lieberman emphasized. “If she’s the cash cow right now, embrace it. Don’t be petty.” She pointed out that Clark’s stats—averaging 16.9 points and 8.6 assists per game despite playing in just 11 games due to injuries—prove she’s already the league’s top guard. Lieberman also acknowledged the fan fervor, noting Clark received the most votes for the WNBA All-Star game, even if fellow players ranked her ninth among guards.

Extending her message of unity, Lieberman celebrated other talents like Angel Reese, who recently shattered another record, as well as Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, and New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart. “We should be supporting each other, not jealous of each other,” she insisted, urging players to stop nitpicking and just focus on playing their best.

Clark, currently with the Indiana Fever, has faced challenges post-All-Star rankings with lingering injuries, but her potential to drive the league forward remains undeniable. Lieberman’s words are a reminder that in a sport built on teamwork, lifting each other up is the real game-changer.