Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA was nothing short of remarkable, but not everyone is ready to crown her as the best rookie ever. After DraftKings labeled the Indiana Fever star as the “best rookie we’ve ever seen,” an NBA player had a different take.
Charlotte Hornets forward and University of Tennessee alum Grant Williams weighed in on the debate, bringing up another legendary player who had an unforgettable rookie year. “2nd best*,” Williams commented in response to DraftKings’ claim. He added, “Love her game and she’ll be an MVP when A’ja decides to hang it up, but Tennessee legend Candace Parker won Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.”
Williams was referring to Parker’s extraordinary 2008 debut season in the WNBA when she made history by winning both the Rookie of the Year and MVP honors—an accomplishment that sets a high bar for any rookie, including Clark.
The discussion didn’t stop with Williams. Fans and basketball enthusiasts took to social media to share their thoughts on the comparison between Clark and Parker. One user pointed out, “OK, but: (1) Caitlin would be in the MVP conversation if it weren’t for A’ja [Wilson], (2) the league is WAY better now, and (3) their stats are pretty comparable.”
RELATED: Caitlin Clark’s Boyfriend Shares Reaction to Her Winning WNBA Rookie of the Year
Others debated the evolution of talent in the league, with one user arguing, “The league had less talent back then. Candace wouldn’t have won MVP if you plugged her into today’s WNBA.”
Some took a nuanced stance, acknowledging both players’ greatness while noting external factors like voting. “I don’t necessarily disagree,” one fan wrote, “but there was literally an online fan vote that made up 25% of the MVP voting that year.”
Another user, responding to Grant Williams’ comment, posted, “I would expect a better take from a Celtics legend… Clark will be MVP within the next three years. Also, if fan voting for MVP was a thing (like it was with Parker), she would have won MVP.”
Despite the differing opinions, there was a general consensus that Clark’s impact on the league is undeniable. One fan simply stated, “Caitlin is the best of the best,” underscoring the growing admiration for her talent and potential.
Caitlin Clark’s remarkable season did come to a close after the Indiana Fever fell 87-81 to the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the playoffs. Despite the loss, her rookie year stands as one of the most impressive campaigns in WNBA history.
Her ability to consistently dominate on the court, paired with her remarkable stats, have already put her in the conversation as one of the greatest young players the league has ever seen.
While comparisons to legends like Candace Parker will persist, Clark’s future in the WNBA is bright, and it’s clear that many expect her to continue breaking barriers and setting new standards for greatness.
