Today’s topic isn’t about high school basketball; this time, I’m diving into the professional level: the WNBA.
Since Caitlyn Clark burst onto the WNBA scene and quickly became a superstar, she has faced numerous cheap shots from opposing players.
Little do they realize that her exceptional play and rising star status have drawn many new fans to the WNBA, myself included.
I compare Clark’s treatment to that of Michael Jordan by the Detroit Pistons in the late ‘80s, which closely resembles the so-called “Jordan Rules.” These rules, as defined (thanks to Google), were a set of defensive strategies employed by the Pistons to contain Jordan during games against the Chicago Bulls. They included intense physical defense, double and triple-teaming, forcing him left, and applying constant pressure to make him uncomfortable. The goal was to make Jordan relinquish the ball or take difficult shots.
The difference with what I call the “Clark Rules” is that the opponents’ goal isn’t to make Clark give up the ball; it’s to get away with as many cheap shots as possible.
Why?
Jealousy.
In a league that desperately needed a superstar to elevate its profile, players should be thanking Clark for taking the WNBA to new heights. Instead, they’re doing the opposite.
One thing Jordan had that Clark lacked until this season was an enforcer to safeguard him. Jordan could always rely on Charles Oakley to respond to anyone who cheap-shotted him, and once Oakley was traded, players like Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant stepped up.
Now, Clark has her own enforcer: Sophie Cunningham.
Cunningham showed her support yesterday against the Connecticut Sun, sending a message to Sun guard Jacky Sheldon that any attempt to poke Clark in the face would have consequences.
While I don’t endorse violence in the WNBA, it’s vital for someone to have Clark’s back, especially since referees have been allowing these cheap shots to continue.
That someone is Cunningham.
Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) fouls Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Photo Credit – Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
