Clark has been under immense pressure since being drafted

Caitlin Clark dribbles against Sabrina Ionescu

Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA as the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 overall pick generated unprecedented attention and excitement.

One person who understands Clark’s experience is recently retired WNBA legend Candace Parker.

Parker was the No. 1 overall pick for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008. Her talent was evident from the start, as she won both Rookie of the Year and league MVP in her debut season.

Does Parker feel Clark was treated unfairly?

In a recent exclusive interview with AndScape, Parker shared her thoughts on Clark’s transition into the league and compared it to her own rookie season in 2008.

Clark faced intense physical play in her first few WNBA games, leading to widespread discussion and controversy. Some believed WNBA veterans were “jealous” of the attention Clark received as a rookie sensation.

“At this part of the game, it’s physicality. That’s what it is,” Parker declared to AndScape.

“When we start talking about hate and sports, I think that’s the basis of competition. We’re not trying to be dirty. But I think there’s a level of, ‘I want what you have. I don’t want you to win.’ And so, I think that when we approached it that way.

“That’s when we were able to laugh about it.”

As Clark’s rookie season progresses, the drama has subsided. Her record-breaking performances have earned her the respect of veteran players across the league.

She has been selected to the WNBA All-Star game and is on course to win the Rookie of the Year award, much like Parker did back in 2008.

She will face stern competition from Angel Reese, although her numbers don’t quite match up to the ones Clark is putting up at this juncture.