Diana Taurasi explains ‘reality is coming’ remark about Caitlin Clark with positive advice

Diana Taurasi shared advice for Caitlin Clark after the No. 1 overall pick struggled through her first two games for the Indiana Fever.

The Phoenix Mercury veteran had previously warned players like Clark that there would be a transition period from college to the WNBA. Taurasi, 41, said on “SportsCenter” during the Final Four of the NCAA tournament that “reality is coming” for the rookies.

Diana Taurasi staring stony-faced out on court

“There’s levels to this thing,” she said. “And that’s just life; we all went through it. You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come play with some grown women who have been playing professional basketball for a long time.

“Not saying that it’s not going to translate, cause when you’re great at what you do, you’re just going to get better. But there is gonna be a transition period where you’re going to have to give yourself some grace as a rookie. And it might take a little bit longer for some people.”

During training camp, Taurasi defended those comments in light of the controversy they caused, clarifying what she meant by them.

“The new fans are really sensitive these days, and you can’t say anything,” she remarked. “It’s kind of like when you go from kindergarten to first grade, there’s a learning adjustment; when you go from high school to college, there’s a learning adjustment.

Caitlin Clark looking on during a WNBA game

Caitlin Clark has found it tough adjusting to the WNBA in her first two games as a pro

“I don’t think I said anything that wasn’t factually correct. Like anything, greatness is going to translate, and [Clark] has proven that in every level, and I don’t see that being any different in the WNBA.”

Taurasi has now doubled down on that stance during an “Arizona Sports” radio interview on the “Bickley & Marotta Show.” “You know, these days, everything takes a life of their own,” she lamented.

“Every little snippet, every little comment, any quote taken out of context. Look, I only said it because, when I watch games – you talk to any professional athlete – you just look at what will they look like as a pro? Right?

“You watch college football, college baseball, college hockey, college basketball, and we’re just so cemented in the pros that that’s the way I look at the game: How will it translate? And it’s going to translate, but, like any college quarterback, it’s going to take time.”

Taurasi then offered another piece of advice. “I know it’s very cliche when it comes to sports, but when you play with that joy and that passion, you can get back to being creative on the court, and that’s what’s made her just a legend,” she explained. “The one thing I’ve always admired about Caitlin is, when there’s a moment, she always steps up to the plate, which is just an unbelievable trait to have.”

Relative Articles

None found

Related Posts

“Did She Just Outthrow the Pros?” Fans were left in awe as Caitlin Clark showed off her unexpected football skills before Super Bowl LIX. Was this a one-time spectacle, or is there another sport in her future? (PO)

Before Super Bowl LIX kicked off on Sunday, Indiana Fever star and Kansas City Chiefs fan Caitlin Clark had fans talking about her own football skills.That’s right. Clark is not only a great shooter of…

BREAKING: Tom Brady Roasts Travis Kelce Over Super Bowl Focus, Suggesting ‘If He Had Focused on Football Instead of Taylor Swift, Chiefs Would Have a 3-Peat’; Jason Kelce Hits Back, ‘I Love Brady, But If He Had Focused on His Wife More, He’d Have a Wife Right Now’ (PO)

Jason Kelce Defends Brother Travis Amidst Tom Brady’s RoastFebruary 09, 2025 In an unexpected turn of events at a recent roast, NFL legend Tom Brady took a…

A Farewell or Just Another Chapter? The emotional words Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce exchanged at the end of Super Bowl 2025 left fans wondering—was this a bittersweet goodbye or a promise to fight again? (PO)

Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce showed their “brotherhood” during Sunday’s Super Bowl loss.The NFL’s cameras caught the two sharing a heartfelt moment as the two embraced…

Fans Want Chiefs Coach Fired After Patrick Mahomes Comment Surfaces (PO)

The Kansas City Chiefs got blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Co. didn’t put points on the board until after they fell…

Travis Kelce’s Parents Drop A Truth Bomb On If They Want Him To Marry Taylor Swift (PO)

Not that it should surprise anyone, but Donna and Ed Kelce would reportedly be thrilled if Travis Kelce ended up with the world’s biggest music star.The three-time Super Bowl champion…

Inside Source Reveals Drake’s 1-Word Reaction To Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance (PO)

Drake’s reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 59 halftime performance has been revealed in the wake of the controversial appearance. Lamar headlined the show after the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City…