Diana Taurasi sent a message to “new fans” of the WNBA after she raised doubts about the 2024 rookie class, which featured former Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 overall pick in this month’s draft.
The Phoenix Mercury star, 41, was asked at training camp this week about her previous comments — stating earlier this month that Clark, 22, would experience a learning curve at the pro level — and explained that she didn’t regret her analysis.
“The new fans are really sensitive these days, you can’t say anything,” Taurasi said. “It’s kind of like when you go from to kindergarten to first grade, there’s a learning adjustment — and then when you go from high school to college, there’s a learning adjustment.
“I don’t think I said anything that wasn’t factually correct. Like anything, greatness is going to translate. And she’s proven that in every level and I don’t see it being any different in the WNBA.”
Taurasi faced criticism for comments she made about the star-studded rookie class — which also includes Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, drafted to the Chicago Sky and the Los Angeles Sparks, respectively — during an appearance on “SportsCenter” after Iowa beat UConn in the NCAA Women’s Final Four on April 5.
“Look SVP, reality is coming,” Taurasi told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. “There’s levels to this thing. And that’s just life. We all went through it. You see it on the NBA side and you’re going to see it on this side where you look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come with some grown women who’ve been playing professional basketball for a long time.”
“Not saying that it’s not going to translate, because when you’re great at what you do you’re just going to get better. But there is going to be a transition period where you’re going to have to give yourself some grace as a rookie. It might take a little bit longer for some people.”
Taurasi didn’t name Clark specifically, but Van Pelt presented the question as such, stating: “Kamilla [Cardoso of the Chicago Sky] is coming, Caitlin is coming, what will the league have in store for them when they get there?”
Clark’s impact on college basketball and the women’s game is undeniable.
Her presence has helped break attendance records at collegiate games — for Iowa and opposing teams — and television ratings.
Fans have yet to see how Clark’s game will translate to the pro level, but her celebrity has helped the league sell tickets.
Some WNBA teams have increased ticket prices for games against Indiana, according to Front Office Sports.
A few teams, including the Aces and the Mystics, have moved arenas to accommodate fans when they play Clark and the Fever.
Taurasi — a three-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, 2009 league MVP and a 10-time All-Star — is entering her 20th season.
Fans have had a field day on social media with the apparent Taurasi-Clark rivalry.
Earlier this month, the Mercury promoted a flyer on social media for their upcoming matchup against the Fever on June 30 that featured a silhouette resembling Clark in a No. 22 jersey, her college number.
The image featured Taurasi and Clark — the NCAA’s all-time Division I leading scorer, men’s or women’s — with the caption: “The GOAT vs THE ROOK.”
