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Former WNBA star Candace Parker talked about the physical Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has treated in comparison with when she first entered the league with Los Angeles Sparks.
Clark was involved in several remains during his first year in WNBA. The number of events asked the question of whether she was targeted because of jealousy over the attention she received.
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Las Vegas Aces Forward Candace Parker seems to pass the ball, while Indiana Fever Center Queen Egbo defends at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, June 4, 2023. (Trevor Ruszkowski-usa Today Sports)
But Parker explained to Jemele Hill’s podcast “Spolitics” that the tough game in WNBA was “part of the game.”
“When you’re a generation talent, I say that in Dianna [Taurasi]Maya [Moore]Myself, Breanna Stewart, Cailtin Clark, Aja Wilson – You will experience a physical character. The scout report is to stop you, much of it is to be physical, “said Parker.” Do you take a few extra licking from people? Yes. Was I rookie who came in and got different shots taken on me or harsh violations? Certainly. It’s part of the game. “
Parker suggested that there was a bigger problem with how WNBA’s physical character was received among a new TV audience.
“I think the problem now is that it is a balancing societal act and the expectation of women versus what is needed in sports,” she said. “And for so long they were contradictory and that women in society should be strong, but not too strong. I remember I would not emphasize college, power cleaning because I am like ‘oh my shoulders in the dress look kind of muscular.’ And now I’m like you know, ‘what I’m a B —-, who’s who cares?
Candace Parker from Los Angeles Sparks smiles before being named MVP after Wnba All Star Game at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, July 27, 2013. (Danny Wild -usa Today Sports)
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“I think this is another generation of players who are willing to take on society’s problems with women moving on. As a result, I now think we see social media explode and more followers who want to follow women because we are so dynamic on what we can do on and off the floor.”
Clark and Angel Reese have developed a big story with each other dating back to the 2023 National Championship between Iowa and LSU.
Their history has been strongly compared to the rivalry Magic Johnson and Larry Bird cultivated in the NBA, which helped increase viewing for the league.
But Parker stopped making the comparison.
“I think it compares apples and oranges,” she said. “Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, it’s like what do we do? They like to make magic and birds -comparison, yes, they played similar positions. They matched at least kind.
Caitlin Clark from Indiana Fever and Angel Reese from Chicago Sky during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“I don’t fall into it. I don’t fall into comparison and I think there are a number of things that Angel can improve will improve in the situation she is in. And I think Caitlin Clark has done it, even in her first year ….. she makes her team better.”
