The Year 2024 has been all about Caitlin Cark , from becoming the rookie of the year to Athlete of the Year in the end the World has been talking about the phenomenon called Clark. While her on the field heroics have been celebrated she had a major highlight off the field too where she helped new fans join the sport.
Few would argue that Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the Indiana Fever, is one of the most prominent faces in the WNBA today. After an incredible rookie season, Clark was a near-unanimous choice for WNBA Rookie of the Year. She set several records, and her performance had her in the MVP conversation despite being only 22 years old and in her first year as a professional.
Her achievements have sparked discussions about her place in basketball history, especially regarding how she might stack up against some of the top shooters in the NBA.
A’ja Wilson’s Bold Statement on Facing NBA Competition
The debate surrounding Clark’s skill set was amplified after Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson made bold comments last month about competing against an NBA player. During an appearance on the “Roommates Show” podcast, Wilson confidently declared she could defeat New York Knicks guard Josh Hart in a one-on-one matchup.
“[The score] would be like 8 to 11, me,” Wilson said. “I get ball first? Yeah, you're not going to get it back. … I’m not saying you’re going to go scoreless, but 8 to 11 I feel like is pretty solid.”
Hart initially responded by claiming he’d win 11-2, but then altered his prediction to a more modest 11-7, which was far more favorable than the harsh critique that came from former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague when discussing Caitlin Clark.
Jeff Teague’s Criticism of Clark in a 1-on-1
Teague, who was a 2015 NBA All-Star, made some controversial remarks about Clark’s chances in a one-on-one against Bronny James, the rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers. On the “Club 520 Podcast,” Teague said, “Caitlin would not score a point on Bronny, bro. She might not even get a shot off, bro. … He would beat her by 60 [points]. He would legit beat her 20-0. [Bronny's younger brother] Bryce James would beat her 20-0. He is 10 times more athletic than her. He can do everything better than her. She's a girl, bro.”
Teague's comments sparked backlash, as many felt his dismissive remarks about Clark's skills failed to acknowledge her exceptional talent. It’s important to note that while Teague’s statement about the James brothers' athleticism may hold some weight, the differences in the caliber of competition faced by players like Bronny James and Caitlin Clark are vast.
The Context of Bronny James and Josh Hart’s NBA Experience
While Hart has enjoyed a decade-long career in the NBA, averaging 10 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, James, who has only played in seven NBA games, has a much more limited resume, scoring four points, two assists, a rebound, a block, and a steal during that time. Despite this, Teague suggests that James—who has played only a small fraction of games compared to Hart—would have no trouble against Clark or Wilson in a one-on-one.
While the reality of a potential 1-on-1 between Caitlin Clark and Bronny James will remain speculative, Teague’s dismissive take on Clark’s skills seems to undermine the immense potential and versatility she has demonstrated on the court.
Final Thoughts: Caitlin Clark's Future in the WNBA and Beyond
Regardless of these comments, Caitlin Clark has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting players in the WNBA. Her record-breaking rookie season proves that her game is on par with the best in the sport. While debates about her ability to compete against NBA talent will likely persist, there’s no denying that she has the skills, work ethic, and mentality to continue being one of the most dominant figures in women’s basketball for years to come.