Caitlin Clark has been told how to improve by WNBA icon Candace Parker, who has explained the changes that the Indiana Fever guard can make to her game
WNBA icon Candace Parker has offered Caitlin Clark advice on how to take her game to the next level. Indiana Fever star Clark is undeniably one of the league’s standout players, but Parker believes she can still improve.
The 23-year-old was named Rookie of the Year after being drafted as the first overall pick by the Fever last year. She is judged to have played a large part in the rising popularity of women’s basketball, with the boom often described as the ‘Caitlin Clark effect’.
Clark has emerged as one of the WNBA’s top stars, setting the single-season assist record during her first season as a professional. Despite the Fever guard making waves in the WNBA, Parker believes Clark can still improve two key areas of her game.
“I think Caitlin Clark has [improved], even in her first year in terms of being that floor general,” Parker said on the Spolitics podcast. “Her and Aliyah Boston’s connection has really improved.”
“The thing about Caitlin, yeah, she can shoot from the logo, but she makes her team better. I think just in terms for her, it’s going to be what are you doing without the ball in your hands, and I think it’s going to be taking care of the ball.”
With Clark currently sidelined with a quad strain, she’ll have plenty of time to reflect on Parker’s words of wisdom and work on fine-tuning her skills. Parker’s comments are intriguing, as Clark is often spoken about like an experienced star, overshadowing how she can sharpen her skills.
The discussion comes after Clark racked up 10 turnovers in the Fever’s narrow 90-88 defeat to the New York Liberty just before her injury. As someone who clinched the 2008 Rookie of the Year award, Parker knows all too well about the steep learning curve younger players face.
“I think, all of us, when you’re young, turn the ball over, especially when you’re the focal point of the entire defence,” Parker. said “You’re going to have more turnovers. You’re going to have more live-ball situations and the competitive element of you means you do tend to take chances early on.
“And you learn. Sometimes it might be a highlight, but seven out of 10 times, it’s probably going to be a turnover, because I had to learn that.”
Clark is no stranger to dedication. During the WNBA off-season, the 23-year-old decided against playing in the new Unrivaled league. Instead, she continued training relentlessly, aiming to keep sharp ahead of the new season.
During Clark’s time off the court, the Fever have experienced varied success. They stumbled in the next couple of matches without her but have recently hit their stride again with a two-match win streak that included a resounding 79-52 triumph over the Chicago Sky.
Clark has averaged 19 points per game this term, and she’s also averaging better rebound and assist numbers than last year. After sustaining her quad injury late last month, Clark was initially expected to be missing for two weeks. However, the Fever guard was optimistic as she discussed her rehabilitation last week.
“I’ll miss this weekend’s game [the win over the Chicago Sky], but after that, it’s day by day and see how I feel, and just turn to the medical staff and what they think,” Clark said. “I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress and I feel good, and I’m not going to rush coming back. It’s just not worth it. But after this weekend, I’ll be reevaluated and we’ll have a better idea of when I’ll return.”
