- Caitlin Clark’s Ranking: Caitlin Clark was ranked ninth among WNBA guards in the 2025 All-Star player voting, despite leading fan votes and earning media praise.
- Why It’s Questionable: Her elite stats, like leading the league in assists (8.9 per game), and her massive impact on WNBA popularity suggest the ranking undervalues her contributions.
- Controversy Context: Some believe Clark faces unfair treatment from peers, possibly due to her rapid rise and media attention, with incidents like a physical altercation fueling the debate.
- Player Dynamics: Perceptions of jealousy or racial bias in a predominantly Black league may influence how some players view Clark, though this is debated.
Why the Ranking Seems Off
Caitlin Clark’s ninth-place ranking by her peers feels like a head-scratcher when you look at her numbers and influence. She’s averaging 18.2 points and a league-leading 8.9 assists per game, showing she’s a playmaking powerhouse. Ranking her below guards like Allisha Gray or Sabrina Ionescu, who have strong but not overwhelmingly superior stats, seems to downplay her overall impact.
Possible Reasons for the Ranking
Players might have docked Clark for a few reasons. Injuries have limited her to nine games this season, which could make her less consistent in their eyes. Still, these flaws don’t seem to justify placing her behind eight other guards, especially given her dominance in assists and scoring.
Past Tensions in the WNBA
Clark’s rapid rise has stirred some friction, with some suggesting she’s been targeted due to her fame. A notable incident involved the Connecticut Sun’s Marina Mabrey pushing Clark to the ground, with the WNBA later admitting that referees should’ve ejected Mabrey. While Clark herself has downplayed being targeted, these incidents and perceptions might explain why some players ranked her lower than expected.
My Take
Look, I get why some players might nitpick Clark’s game—she’s not perfect. But ninth? That feels like a stretch, almost personal. Her stats scream superstar, and she’s carrying the Fever while putting the WNBA on a bigger stage. The league’s growing, and she’s a big reason why. If players are letting off-court dynamics or her media hype cloud their votes, that’s a shame. Clark’s a generational talent, and her peers should recognize that, flaws and all.
