Diana Taurasi has never been one to mince words, especially when it comes to rookie Caitlin Clark. Even before Clark was drafted into the WNBA, Taurasi had made her opinions clear. Now, it seems she has no plans to let bygones be bygones.
This Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury will square off against the Indiana Fever, marking the first time the seasoned WNBA legend will face the up-and-coming star on the court. Each time Clark steps onto the court, she attracts considerable attention. So, what does Taurasi think about playing against the league’s newest sensation?
“Yeah, it’ll be fun,” Taurasi remarked.
That was it. No elaboration needed. On to the next topic.
Caitlin Clark vs. Diana Taurasi: The Backstory
Since Clark’s senior year in college, Taurasi has been one of her most vocal critics. During Iowa’s Final Four clash with UConn, Taurasi, a UConn alumna, confidently declared she’d pick UConn’s Paige Bueckers over Clark in the draft, succinctly stating, “I’m taking Paige. Next question.” She also claimed that UConn coach Geno Auriemma would never permit Clark’s signature long-range three-pointers.
Before Iowa’s national championship game against South Carolina, Taurasi predicted on ESPN that Clark would face a harsh reality upon entering the WNBA.
“There are levels to this. It’s just how life works. We’ve all been through it. You see it in the NBA, and it’s the same here. You look like a superstar playing against teenagers, but you’re about to face seasoned women who have been playing professionally for years,” Taurasi said.
When criticized for her comments about Clark’s potential struggles in the WNBA, Taurasi brushed it off, saying, “new fans are really sensitive these days,” and added, “you can’t say anything.”
She further explained that transitioning to the next level always involves an adjustment.
“It’s like moving from kindergarten to first grade; there’s an adjustment period,” Taurasi noted. “Going from high school to college is the same. I didn’t say anything incorrect. Greatness will translate, and Clark has proven herself at every level. I don’t see it being different in the WNBA.”
Clark has not publicly responded to Taurasi’s remarks.
Comparing Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi: By the Numbers
Having spent 20 years in the WNBA, Taurasi has witnessed many stars rise and fall. While Clark has drawn unprecedented attention, her rookie season stats aren’t vastly different from Taurasi’s first year, during which she won Rookie of the Year in 2004.
| Caitlin Clark | Stat (per game) | Diana Taurasi |
|---|---|---|
| 16.3 | Points | 17.0 |
| 6.6 | Assists | 3.9 |
| 5.4 | Rebounds | 4.4 |
| 0.9 | Blocks | 0.7 |
| 1.5 | Steals | 1.3 |
| 2.8 | 3-pointers made | 1.8 |
| 8.1 | 3-point attempts | 5.5 |
| 39.9% | FG% | 41.6% |
| 35.2% | 3P% | 33.0% |
While Taurasi was a slightly more efficient scorer, Clark has showcased a well-rounded game. However, Taurasi’s point about the adjustment to the league holds water, as Clark has already logged more single-digit scoring games in her first 18 WNBA games (four) than she did in her entire four-year college career (one).
