Move over, LeBron. Caitlin Clark might just be the NBA’s newest All-Star weekend attraction—or so Adam Silver and company seem to hope. Veteran analyst Jason Whitlock, never one to mince words, has called out the NBA’s apparent obsession with Clark as they scramble to boost waning ratings.
On his Fearless show Thursday, Whitlock sounded off on the bizarre tug-of-war for Clark’s talents. After an incredible rookie season in the WNBA that saw her crowned Rookie of the Year, Clark has become the name in basketball, transcending leagues and expectations. But as her stock skyrockets, so does the demand to capitalize on her stardom.
And Whitlock? He’s not buying it.
“American basketball—both men’s and women’s—is in such bad shape, it’s practically hanging on Caitlin Clark’s jump shot,” Whitlock quipped. “The NBA wants her in a 3-point contest at All-Star weekend, teaming her and Sabrina Ionescu against Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. It’s like they’re hoping she’ll sprinkle fairy dust on their ratings. They’re not chasing the next Michael Jordan—they’re chasing the next marketing gimmick.”
Whitlock wasn’t done there. He also had a dig for the Unrivaled League, a new 3-on-3 competition set to debut in January. Clark recently declined an offer to join, opting instead to hit the golf course and fine-tune her game in Pro-Am events.
“Smart move,” Whitlock said bluntly. “That league is destined to flop, and now she doesn’t have to take the blame. Everybody just wants a piece of Caitlin—whether it’s the WNBA, the NBA, or some random 3v3 sideshow. Let the girl breathe.”
The NBA’s Not-So-Subtle Plan
Reports suggest that the NBA’s All-Star weekend is already cooking up a “dream” matchup: Clark and Ionescu squaring off against Curry and Thompson in a 3-point extravaganza. Sure, it sounds fun, but you can practically hear the desperation in the league office as they craft ways to make their February festivities must-watch TV.
NBA insider Shams Charania hinted that such an event is “highly likely,” though specifics remain up in the air. “Imagine Klay versus Caitlin or Steph against Sabrina,” Charania speculated. “They could split the contest over two nights, making it a marquee attraction for both Saturday and Sunday. The NBA knows what sells, and right now, it’s Caitlin Clark.”
Is This Genius or Just Plain Desperate?
Clark’s popularity is undeniable. After torching the competition in her first WNBA season, she’s become a cultural phenomenon. But fans and critics alike are questioning whether the NBA’s move is about innovation or sheer desperation.
“Look, I love Caitlin, but why is the NBA hitching its wagon to a WNBA rookie?” tweeted one skeptical fan. “Feels like they’re trying to duct-tape their All-Star weekend together with her star power.”
Others are more intrigued, envisioning epic cross-league clashes that could bring new energy to a struggling format.
For her part, Clark has yet to comment on the NBA rumors. But if her decision to steer clear of the Unrivaled League is any indication, she’s not afraid to say no when something doesn’t align with her priorities.
The Bigger Picture
Whitlock’s criticism highlights a broader issue: the NBA and WNBA’s reliance on a single star to carry their respective brands. Clark’s meteoric rise is a gift, but it’s also a stark reminder of the lack of depth in basketball’s current crop of marketable superstars.
As Whitlock put it, “Caitlin Clark can’t fix the NBA or the WNBA by herself. She’s not a one-woman rescue mission. Maybe instead of chasing the next gimmick, these leagues should figure out how to fix their actual product.”
Love it or hate it, the NBA’s All-Star weekend plans are shaping up to be a spectacle. Whether Caitlin Clark signs on—or sidesteps another offer—remains the big question. One thing’s for sure: in the world of basketball, everyone wants a piece of Clark.
