LeBron James was linked to the weight on Caitlin Clark’s shoulders shortly after the rookie sensation and the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs.
James was also the first overall pick chosen to become the face of a franchise upon being drafted. The pair also inspired winning cultures in once-losing franchises.
In an interview with giftJames spoke about his respect for the former Iowa star and gave his perspective on the scrutiny he faced during his rookie campaign.
“I have a lot of respect for Caitlin Clark because I know exactly what it means to be drafted, to be the face of a franchise and also to receive the scrutiny of a lot of people who don’t think you’re ready for the next leap, don’t think that You’re ready for the big leagues and you just don’t think you belong.
“I remember when I came into the league at 18 years old, a lot of people doubted me and hoped and prayed that I would fail,” James added.
LeBron James compared himself to Caitlin Clark days after she was eliminated from the playoffs
Clark’s rookie campaign with the Fever saw her stardom and WNBA popularity skyrocket.
“And so, watching Caitlin and seeing what she’s doing, I’ve supported her since day one, because I remember going through that, and she has my support 100 percent. She’s a transcendent player,” he continued. ‘ And obviously, we all saw that at Iowa, and I knew it would translate to the big leagues. And she’s an incredible talent to see.”
After gaining much popularity late in her NCAA career, Clark’s first year in the WNBA elevated her stardom to new heights. Additionally, her entrance caused the WNBA’s viewership and attendance numbers to increase at historic rates.
Despite being swept by an experienced Connecticut Sun team in the first round, Clark led Indiana to its first playoff appearance since 2016.
“Yeah, listen, she’s got the vision, she’s got the spirit, she’s contagious, people want to play with her,” James said. “They’re going to be a really good team, and not too far from now.”
James has long spoken out while supporting Clark. After the rookie scored a career-high 31 points and 12 assists in Indiana’s regular-season finale against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky in August, he posted a message directed at Clark haters .
At the start of the WNBA season, James attributed the league’s rise to Clark’s popularity.
‘The only thing I love is that she brings to her sport: more people want to watch it. More people want to tune in. I saw, for the first time, that they had a chartered plane. For the first time in league history, they flew private. That should be celebrated in its own right,” he said on his “Mind the Game” podcast in May.
‘That should be celebrated, and it’s thanks to Caitlin Clark. Don’t twist it. Don’t screw it up. “Caitlin Clark is the reason so many great things will happen for the WNBA.”
