Diana Taurasi is standing by her comments on Caitlin Clark and the learning curve she’ll inevitably face as a pro, despite a wave of backlash, with the former MVP describing fans of the rookie hooper as “really sensitive!”
In case you missed the OG comments … the WNBA legend was recently on TV following 22-year-old Clark’s selection as the number one overall pick, where Taurasi cautioned Caitlin would face her fair share of struggles.
“Reality is coming,” Taurasi said earlier this month. “There’s levels to this thing. That’s just life. We all went through it.”
“You look superhuman playing against some 18-year-olds, but you’re gonna come play with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time — not saying that’s not gonna translate.”
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Caitlin Clark Goes No. 1 In WNBA Draft
Taurasi added, “There’s gonna be a transition period where you’re gonna have to give yourself some grace as a rookie.”
Clark fans didn’t appreciate the take — unloading on the Phoenix Mercury star — though Taurasi isn’t taking a single syllable back, despite the hate.
“The new fans are really sensitive these days,” Taurasi told reporters, adding, “You can’t say anything.”
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“It’s kind of like when you go to kindergarten to first grade, there’s a learning adjustment. When you go from high school to college, there’s a learning adjustment.”
“I don’t think I said anything that’s factually incorrect. Like anything, greatness is going to translate. And she’s proven that at every level. I don’t see why that’s going to be any different in the WNBA.”
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Of course, it’d probably behoove Clark to listen to 41-year-old Taurasi — who was given the “White Mamba” nickname by Kobe Bryant — is one of the greatest female hoopers ever … with 3 WNBA Championships, 2 Finals MVPs, 10 All-Star nods, 10 All WNBA First team bids, and a league MVP, amongst many other accolades.
The UConn legend also knows a thing or two about coming in and being an immediate difference-maker. The number one overall pick went on to win Rookie of the Year in 2004.
Bottom line, Taurasi knows what she’s talkin’ about …
