Caitlin Clark’s rookie season didn’t just live up to the hype—it smashed it, shattered records, and silenced critics who once questioned whether her college stardom would translate to the professional stage. Few could have predicted the speed and magnitude of her impact, including some of the WNBA’s most respected veterans and MVPs. Now, in a twist that feels like poetic justice, those same icons are speaking out—and finally giving Clark the credit she’s earned. Among them are former MVPs who once hesitated, and now find themselves openly praising the very rookie they once doubted.
Breanna Stewart, a two-time league MVP and three-time WNBA champion, didn’t wait long to acknowledge Clark’s brilliance. Just weeks into the season, she noted that Clark was “holding her own” and “showing everyone what she can do.” Stewart, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, spoke openly about Clark’s ability to stretch the floor, compete with toughness, and elevate the game for those around her. Coming from one of the league’s most decorated players, that endorsement wasn’t just polite recognition—it was a stamp of legitimacy.
Candace Parker, another two-time MVP and now a respected voice in basketball analysis, compared Clark to none other than Steph Curry. She marveled at Clark’s ability to shift defenses the moment she enters the gym. “You have to guard her the second she steps in the building,” Parker said. “She’s a showman.” Her statement echoed a sentiment now shared by thousands: Caitlin Clark isn’t just a star in the making—she’s already transforming the way the game is played and consumed.
Tina Charles, the 2012 MVP and one of the most experienced players in the league, joined the chorus of praise by calling Clark a “generational talent” and expressing gratitude for simply having the opportunity to play in the same league. Charles highlighted the new energy, eyes, and attention Clark was bringing to the WNBA—crediting the young guard for helping spark a league-wide renaissance.
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming endorsements came from Maya Moore, Clark’s childhood hero and the 2014 MVP. Moore recalled meeting Clark as a little girl who nervously ran up to her asking for an autograph. Years later, Moore found herself hugging that same girl—now one of the most electrifying players in the league—before a sold-out farewell game at Iowa. The moment was full-circle, and Moore acknowledged the lasting influence Clark will have on the next generation, just as she once had on Clark.
Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 MVP and a long-time leader in the players’ union, praised Clark’s maturity and poise during the All-Star break. She applauded Clark’s professionalism and the way she meshed with fellow teammates, pointing out that her presence didn’t just boost headlines—it elevated the overall level of competition. And then there’s Cynthia Cooper, the WNBA’s first-ever MVP and a four-time champion, who didn’t mince words. She called Clark a “great passer,” “crafty,” and “already playing at an elite level,” despite being just a rookie. Cooper even went so far as to say Clark should have been on Team USA for the Olympics, citing the long-term value of early international experience.
Tamika Catchings, the 2011 MVP and Indiana Fever legend, has been especially vocal about Clark’s arrival, calling it a defining moment for the franchise. Catchings, who’s watched the Fever through thick and thin, credited Clark with revitalizing the team, not just with her skills, but with her aura and leadership. Jonquel Jones, the 2021 MVP, took things a step further—not only defending Clark from off-court criticisms but addressing how some people had tried to attach divisive narratives to her name. Jones made it clear that Clark’s integrity, personality, and performance speak for themselves—and that any attempts to mischaracterize her were more about others’ agendas than Clark’s actions.
Even Lisa Leslie, a three-time MVP who once suggested Angel Reese and Clark should share Rookie of the Year honors, has changed her stance after witnessing Clark’s record-breaking season. Leslie now acknowledges Clark’s greatness, saying she has fully adjusted to the WNBA and represents its future. The most unexpected shift, however, came from Diana Taurasi. Early in the season, Taurasi warned that “reality was coming” for Clark, suggesting that the jump from college to pro would be harsh. But after facing Clark multiple times—each ending in defeat—Taurasi publicly praised the rookie’s growth, resilience, and love for the game. She even described Clark’s future as “super bright,” acknowledging that her ability to face pressure and still deliver was “remarkable.”
There was also a surprising voice from within Clark’s own team—Erica Wheeler, a former All-Star Game MVP—who revealed what fans don’t often see: Clark’s locker room presence. Wheeler described Clark as a joyful, lighthearted teammate who keeps things fun, saying, “She’s really a kid at heart.” That balance between competitive intensity and youthful spirit has made Clark not only a star on the court but a glue player in the locker room.
The only current MVP who still seems reluctant to fully embrace Clark’s impact is A’ja Wilson. While acknowledging Clark’s talent, Wilson insists that college greatness requires a championship—a milestone Clark never reached at Iowa. Her position isn’t wrong, but it feels increasingly out of step as Clark’s professional resume grows by the week. Because Clark is not just chasing wins—she’s chasing greatness. She’s setting viewership records, packing arenas, and inspiring a new generation of basketball fans. And she’s doing it with purpose, poise, and performance.
What we’re witnessing isn’t just another standout season—it’s the beginning of a new era in women’s basketball. Caitlin Clark isn’t trying to follow in anyone’s footsteps. She’s blazing a path of her own, and now, even the legends are starting to follow her lead. The most incredible part? This is only the beginning. If this is Clark’s rookie season, just imagine what’s coming next.
