Caitlin Clark (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark’s first season in the WNBA has created a lot of excitement and attention. Many people are talking about her incredible accomplishments, and some even say it might be the best season in WNBA history. However, not everyone shares a similar opinion. A former NBA player has voiced his disagreement, suggesting that while her achievements are impressive, they may not be enough to claim the title of the best season ever.

When DraftKings called the Indiana Fever star the “best rookie we’ve ever seen,” Grant Williams, a forward for the Charlotte Hornets and a former UT player, had a different view.

“2nd best*,” Williams said. “I love her game, and she’ll be an MVP when A’ja decides to hang it up, but Tennessee legend Candace Parker won ROTY and MVP in the same season.”

2nd best*. Love her game and she’ll be an MVP when A’ja decides to hang it up but Tennessee legend Candace Parker won ROTY and MVP in the same season. https://t.co/omvVgUfJTO

— Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) September 28, 2024

This isn’t the first time people have compared Caitlin Clark to Candace Parker, especially fans who want to evaluate Clark’s strong impact. The excitement around Clark, known as the “Clark Effect,” has drawn attention away from the WNBA’s 27-year history.

Candace Parker’s Dominance In 2008 vs. Caitlin Clark’s Leadership In Reviving The Fever

Parker made a huge splash in 2008 with the LA Sparks, winning both Rookie of the Year and MVP. Her skills set a standard for future WNBA players. That year, Parker averaged 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, and she finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

On the other hand, Caitlin Clark turned around a struggling Indiana Fever team. She averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, shooting 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range. The Fever made the playoffs for the first time since 2016, finishing with a 20-20 record—their first at .500 in eight years.

While Williams recognizes Clark’s incredible season, he believes Parker’s 2008 performance was the strongest, though some of Clark’s fans might disagree. Parker, the top pick in 2008, had an immediate effect, helping the Sparks go from a bad 10-24 season the year before to a 20-14 record and a spot in the Western Conference finals. Her impact was clear.

Although Angel Reese was known for her double-doubles and rebounding, Clark’s overall contribution to her team’s success was key. She took on a leadership role for the Fever, something not often expected of rookies.

Facing a lot of pressure and high expectations, Caitlin Clark has handled her first WNBA season well. She helped a franchise that hadn’t had a winning record or made the playoffs since 2016 when Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings was there.

Like Parker in her rookie season, Clark has shown strong leadership. Both players entered the league with high hopes and lived up to them.