One of the things that Caitlin Clark had to go through on her rookie season with the Indiana Fever was the increased amount of physicality that analysts and fans alike have noticed directed towards her. For WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, this was something that everyone that season had to adjust to.
During her recent appearance on “The David Rubenstein Show,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert talked about the increased physicality that Caitlin Clark experienced in her rookie season, something that both fans and analysts have repeatedly pointed out in the past.
“I think that narrative became the narrative,” Engelbert said. “We have a really exciting, fast-paced, physical game. The physicality, I think, surprised a lot of the new fans that came in.”
“I think it was very physical at first for a lot of new eyes on the game. I think there were, unfortunately, some inappropriate plays that happened. Over the course of the whole season, I think Caitlin really adjusted well. So did Angel, because Angel, it was very physical for her too.”
“I think all of our rookies adjusted to the physicality of the game, and I think our fans didn’t adjust as quickly.”
Did Caitlin Clark Receive Intense Physicality During Her Rookie Season?
Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA has been marked by intense physicality, with analysts and fans noting that she has faced particularly aggressive defense from opponents. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged that Clark was subjected to rough play, stating that while physicality is a natural part of the league, some moments went beyond the norm.
Fans have pointed to incidents like Chennedy Carter’s shove and DiJonai Carrington’s intense defense as examples of Clark being targeted. While Clark has adjusted to the league’s physicality, many believe that her status as a high-profile rookie has made her a focal point for defenders looking to test her resilience.
Clark herself has commented on the physical nature of the WNBA, stating that she feels opponents get away with more aggressive play against her than they might with other players. Some analysts have defended the league, arguing that physicality is a standard part of professional basketball and that Clark is simply experiencing the transition from college to the pros.
Others, however, believe that the heightened physicality directed at Clark is a response to her popularity and the attention she has brought to the league.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has emphasized the importance of Caitlin Clark developing a stronger core and maintaining a lower center of gravity to handle the physical play.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
