After Caitlin Clark and the Fevers season came to end, LeBron James shared an unfiltered take on why he respects the rookie so much.
I have a great deal of respect for Caitlin Clark, because I know exactly what it means to be drafted, be the face of a franchise, and also get the scrutiny from a lot of people that dont believe youre ready for the next jump, dont believe youre ready for the big leagues, and just dont think that you belong, LeBron told Esquire. And I remember that when I came into the league at eighteen years old how many people doubted me and hoped and prayed that Id fail. And so, me watching Caitlin and seeing what shes doing, Ive been in support of her since day one, because I remember myself going through that, and she has my support 100 percent. Shes a transcendent player. And obviously we all saw that at Iowa, and I knew that it would translate to the big leagues. And shes an unbelievable talent. Its great to watch.
Its no wonder LeBron can relate to Clarks situation so much.
The Cavs drafted him out of high school at No. 1 in 2003 and the team announced their intention to select the high school prodigy right after winning the draft lottery.
Similarly, when Clark was drafted by the Fever, she instantly became the face of the franchise and WNBA viewings skyrocketed.
However, Indianas 1-8 start on the season had people questioning whether she was the real deal or not.
But, the 22-year-old showed out in her first season and finished the year with unanimous Rookie of the Year honors.
She also made history multiple times throughout the season, including when she set new single-game (19) and single-season (337) assist records.
She scored 769 total points, which also created a new WNBA single-season rookie scoring record.
Her full list of achievements on the year is almost unbelievable.
In April, Diana Taurasi warned Caitlin Clark that reality is coming in her rookie WNBA season.
Since then, Clark has achieved:
Unanimous ROTY
League leader in APG
League leader in 3P
1st in PPG by a rookie
1st in FGM by a rookie
1st in APG by a rookie
1st in pic.twitter.com/xuI1FfI2kHBasketball Forever (@bballforever_) September 23, 2024
LeBron has defended Clark in the past and it doesnt look like his public admiration for her will be slowing down anytime soon.
