Caitlin Clark’s rise in the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular. From the moment she was drafted by the Indiana Fever, the basketball world watched with eager eyes to see how one of the most decorated college athletes in history would translate to the professional level. Now, as she prepares for her second season in the league, the numbers and the influence speak for themselves. Yet, despite her early success, Clark continues to face an unusual level of scrutiny—and not all of it has to do with basketball.

Throughout her rookie campaign in 2024, Clark was consistently under the microscope. While her stats were stellar and her on-court leadership undeniable, conversations surrounding her often strayed into uncomfortable territory. Discussions of her race, her demeanor, and even her sexuality became fodder for media segments and online commentary. Some pundits, former players, and fans questioned whether the attention Clark received was warranted or the result of larger societal biases. Others suggested that her rise had overshadowed more experienced players, leading to whispers of resentment from within the league.

Enter basketball legend Cheryl Miller.

Miller, who is no stranger to breaking barriers herself, recently appeared on the popular “All the Smoke” podcast with Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, where she addressed the Caitlin Clark discourse head-on. Her message was clear, forceful, and refreshingly candid: the backlash against Clark, particularly when centered around race or off-court narratives, is not only misguided—it’s damaging to the game itself.

“I’m gonna be honest, because it needs to be said,” Miller began. “I can relate to that young lady, and I felt for her. I know what it’s like to be hated. I know what it’s like to be a Black woman and to be hated because of my color. I can’t imagine this young lady—I don’t want to use the word ‘hate’—but despised.”

Miller acknowledged that Clark’s confidence, at times, may rub people the wrong way, but she framed it in a way only a competitor could. “She brought some on herself, a little bit, because she’s cocky—for a good reason. And I love that about her.” That edge, that undeniable fire, is what makes Clark such a magnetic figure on the court. She’s unapologetically competitive and brings energy to the floor that has helped rejuvenate interest in women’s basketball.

What Miller emphasized most was the importance of truth over narrative. “The media, they had their narrative,” she said. “And I was pleased and proud to see the narrative wasn’t the truth. And Angel [Reese] and her got along so well.”

This was perhaps the most significant part of Miller’s comments—praising both Clark and Reese for setting aside whatever tension the media may have drummed up between them. The two were famously positioned as rivals during their college years, most notably during the 2023 NCAA championship when Reese’s celebratory taunt of Clark went viral. But when the two stars teamed up during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, they played with cohesion and respect, putting to rest many of the rumors about personal animosity.

Miller was also struck by Clark’s basketball IQ and growth. “I didn’t know how talented she was and how well she sees the game in a 3D version,” she said. “Defensively, a lot better than I thought and gave her credit for.”

In one of her more powerful moments on the podcast, Miller addressed those who refuse to acknowledge the work Clark has put in. “I was like, ‘Come on, you big dummies!’ Is she getting hyped? Yes. But she was in the backyard, she was putting in the same time—maybe more than you were.”

Miller made it clear that this isn’t just about popularity or media spin. It’s about substance. Clark’s game backs up the hype, and the real frustration, Miller implies, lies in the refusal of some to admit that a young, white rookie has not only met expectations but exceeded them.

The issue, of course, isn’t limited to individuals. When Clark was named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year, even that accolade stirred controversy. Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson argued on CNN that the honor should have gone to the entire WNBA, stating, “When you single out one player, it creates hard feelings.” She added that it risked fueling narratives of racial division.

But the broader question becomes: when a player is truly transforming the landscape of their sport, should they not be recognized for that? Clark’s impact is measurable. Attendance and viewership surged in 2024. Merchandise sales soared. And perhaps most importantly, young fans—many watching women’s basketball for the first time—showed up in droves. That’s not just good for Clark. It’s good for the entire league.

The Fever, recognizing Clark’s influence, made major offseason moves to capitalize on their momentum. With Stephanie White now leading the bench as head coach, Indiana added veterans like DeWanna Bonner, Sydney Colson, and Sophie Cunningham. The roster is deeper, more experienced, and better built around Clark’s strengths. It’s clear that the Fever are no longer content to develop slowly—they’re aiming to win, and win now.

Cheryl Miller’s defense of Clark comes at a time when women’s basketball is facing a transformative crossroads. The influx of new fans has brought both excitement and tension. As the WNBA enters a new era of visibility, how it handles its stars—and how its stars handle the spotlight—will define the league’s trajectory for years to come.

What Miller reminds us is that it’s not about choosing sides between veterans and rookies, or between old-school and new-wave. It’s about recognizing greatness, no matter what form it comes in. And as she said, “You can’t fault her for what she was given. But as much as she was given, you can’t tell me that door wouldn’t have swung the other way if she didn’t live up to the hype.”

Miller’s words are more than just support for one player—they’re a call for fairness, for nuance, and for a deeper appreciation of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Clark has proven she belongs. Now the rest of the league—and its critics—will have to decide whether they’re ready to embrace the future or continue clinging to outdated narratives.

As Caitlin Clark enters her second WNBA season, the expectations will be even higher. But with a stronger team, support from legends like Cheryl Miller, and the drive that got her here in the first place, she seems more than ready to meet the challenge. And if Miller’s message reaches the ears of the doubters, maybe—just maybe—they’ll realize that respecting the grind doesn’t require erasing the shine.