Fever President Reveals Why Caitlin Clark Passed More in Rookie Season

Caitlin Clark, who recently clinched the title of WNBA Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season, faced some criticism during the early stages of her career for passing up scoring opportunities. Many fans noticed that she was distributing the ball more than expected, often at the expense of her own scoring chances. But now, Indiana Fever President Allison Barber has revealed the real reason behind Clark’s approach in her rookie year.

During an interview with the Economic Club, Barber explained that Clark was focused on building team camaraderie early on by sharing the ball with her teammates. Barber acknowledged, “Sometimes we wished Clark would pass less and shoot more. She’s an amazing passer and an outstanding shooter, but what she was doing was helping other players by allowing them to improve their game.” This strategy, while admirable, may have contributed to the team’s disjointed performance in the initial games, with some players struggling to handle Clark’s precise passes.

This tactic also played a role in Clark’s unusually high number of turnovers. By mid-season, she had already racked up 139 turnovers, setting a new league record with 15 games still to play. Despite this rocky start, the Fever eventually found their rhythm, securing the sixth seed in the playoffs. However, their journey ended in the first round after being swept by the Connecticut Sun.

Despite the challenges, Barber believes that Clark’s approach to building team chemistry will pay off in the long run. The Fever are looking ahead to the next season with high hopes, particularly given the positive reception Clark and the team have garnered from fans and analysts alike.

Additionally, Barber shared another intriguing story about Clark’s generosity. During road games, Clark reportedly wanted to help opposing players earn bonuses, though the WNBA’s bargaining agreement prevented this. This act highlights Clark’s selfless nature and suggests that she’ll likely have a lot of respect and admiration from players and fans as her career progresses.

With her first season now behind her, Caitlin Clark is poised for even greater success, and her leadership and team-first mentality could make all the difference for the Indiana Fever in the seasons to come.