What message of support did NBA commissioner Adam Silver give to Caitlin Clark?

Just about everybody has had something to say about the Indiana Fever’s rookie and her seemingly rough introduction to the WNBA. Some have criticized her, some have resorted to un249fL9CMMAnlike conduct, while the talking heads have done what they do best, talk. Yet, one thing that remains clear is that both Clark and the league as a whole are still getting to know each other.

NBA’s Adam Silver gives Caitlin Clark a nod

Prior to Thursday night’s opening game of the 2024 NBA Finals, league commissioner Adam Silver gave the media some of his time during which he touched on a number of topics. Yet, perhaps the most curious of those was when he spoke on Caitlin Clark and the manner in which the rookie has been treated by the WNBA since her arrival - think Chennedy Carter’s hit. For context, it should be said that Clark has been the center of attention since her record-breaking final season with Iowa which saw the team go all the way to the championship game where, unfortunately, they lost to South Carolina.

What followed was her selection with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever which only fueled the intensity with which he has been watched. That said, with a record of 2-9, it’s been a struggle and that’s before we get to what many regard as the overly physical way in which she has been handled. Indeed, even UConn’s long-time coach Geno AurieMMA stated that he believed she was being “targeted”, though he later clarified by explaining that it’s part of the process that rookies face. “I think she talks a lot of s--t, and she gets a lot of s--t back. She deserves everything she gets because she gives it as good as she gets it,” AurieMMA said.

That of course brings us back to Silver who appeared to follow a similar line of thinking as he alluded to the apparent rite of passage that newcomers must face when playing in the pros. “It’s nothing new in basketball that there is welcome to the league moments, especially for heralded rookies. But of course, I want to see Caitlin treated fairly and appropriately in the league. I would say, it seems like she can take care of herself, she’s a tough player.” Up next for the Fever is a Friday night date with the Washington Mystics who are currently 0-10.