When it comes to the WNBA MVP race, A’ja Wilson’s name is practically engraved on the trophy already—at least, that’s what the oddsmakers would have you believe. But hold onto your basketballs, folks, because sports commentator Rachel DeMita is throwing a wrench into the MVP machine, and she’s doing it with a megaphone.
On her Courtside Club podcast, DeMita made her case for Indiana Fever’s rookie superstar Caitlin Clark to be in the MVP conversation. Yes, you heard that right—a rookie! It’s like suggesting a freshman should be valedictorian, but DeMita is here for it.
“Caitlin was throwing the ball away like she was Santa handing out gifts—10 times a game!” DeMita quipped, possibly while shaking her head in disbelief. “And I feel maybe that’s the only thing holding her back from truly, truly being in this MVP conversation.”
But let’s give the girl some credit. Clark’s transition into the WNBA was about as smooth as trying to dribble on a gravel driveway. Coming off a grueling college season with barely enough time to catch her breath, she had to adjust to the pros faster than you can say “rookie mistake.” And yet, she’s out there putting up numbers that make seasoned vets break a sweat.
DeMita wasn’t done yet, though. She turned her sights on Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces, a team so stacked that they might as well rename themselves the Las Vegas Superstars. “There are four women on that Aces team who were on Team USA, who just played in the Olympics,” she pointed out. “A’ja Wilson is the star of that team, yes, but has she made as much of an impact on her team as Caitlin has for the Fever?”
DeMita’s got a point. Sure, Wilson’s been stellar, but when you’ve got an all-star cast around you, it’s like being the lead in a Broadway play—of course, you’re going to shine. Clark, on the other hand, is more like the indie film actor who’s carrying the whole production on her back. She’s averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 8.3 assists per game. Not too shabby for someone who’s still figuring out where all the locker rooms are in the arena.
Thanks to Clark, the Fever are a respectable 13-15 and are even sniffing the playoffs—a place they haven’t seen in what feels like a basketball eternity. Her odds of winning the MVP sit at +8000, according to FOX Sports. So, while Vegas might be betting against her, DeMita is betting on Clark to stir the pot.
Now, we’re not saying Caitlin Clark is about to snatch the MVP from A’ja Wilson’s grip—she’s not about to go full Ocean’s Eleven on this. But should the MVP conversation be a bit more open to debate? DeMita certainly thinks so, and after hearing her argument, you might just find yourself nodding along.
So, should Clark be in the MVP race? Well, she’s already running, and with a bit of luck, she might just make it a photo finish.
