Candace Parker Urges "Therapy" for Caitlin Clark Critics After Shocking WNBA Player Rankings

Caitlin Clark currently stands at the forefront of the Women's National Basketball Association, a position earned through her exceptional talent. While other athletes like A'ja Wilson may contend for MVP honors, Clark's unique ability to both score and distribute the ball at her guard position is widely recognized as unparalleled.

However, a recent player survey within the WNBA presented a different perspective, with her peers ranking her as the 11th-best guard in the league. This outcome has sparked considerable discussion, particularly given the perceived friction and skepticism from some within the league regarding Clark's immense popularity and widespread appeal since her entry.

Legendary Critique of Player Poll

WNBA icon Candace Parker, a highly decorated former player, weighed in on the controversial ranking during a conversation with Clark's Indiana Fever teammate, Aliyah Boston. Parker vehemently criticized the results of the peer-voted survey, asserting that the league should cease what she views as disrespect towards Clark and acknowledge her contributions appropriately.

"It's also kinda crazy. I wholeheartedly believe that there need to be some rules with the WNBA players, because this is getting out of hand. Caitlin Clark [being] voted 11th-best guard by WNBA players, that's crazy."

Parker openly addressed what she believes are underlying insecurities within the WNBA, suggesting that some players have allowed resentment to overshadow professional respect. She extended this critique to media members covering the league as well.

"I think people need to look at themselves in the mirror and realize you've got some insecurities, if you're sitting down and putting Caitlin Clark as the 11th-best guard. Y'all need to go to a therapist and figure out what childhood issues you have, 'cause if you're sitting there, and looking at yourself in the mirror, and putting her at the 11th-best guard like c'mon."

Parker's own illustrious career included three championships, two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year honors. She was also a seven-time All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, giving her remarks considerable weight. Reflecting on her time in the league, Parker stated she would never have sought to undermine the achievements of rival superstars.

"When I sat down, as much as I did not like Diana Taurasi, there ain't no way I'm not going to write her as an All-Star. As much as I did not like anyone on the Lynx because they used to whoop our a**, I'm not going to not put Maya Moore or Sylvia Fowles."

Clark's All-Star Status and On-Court Performance

The selection process for the WNBA All-Star game allocates 50% of the vote to fans, with players and media each contributing 25%. Despite the low ranking from her peers, Clark secured a starting position in the All-Star game, largely due to overwhelming fan support, where she finished second overall in voting, and significant media backing.

Heading into a recent Wednesday night game against the Sparks, Clark's statistical performance has been notable, averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 30.8 minutes per game. Despite these numbers and her undeniable impact, some WNBA players, former players, and media figures have dismissed her influence, labeling her as "overhyped" and seemingly overlooking the unprecedented phenomenon that has accompanied her since her collegiate career.

Unprecedented Impact on League Growth

Since Clark's arrival, the WNBA has experienced a dramatic surge in popularity, shattering numerous attendance and viewership records. The 2024 season saw an average of 9,807 fans per game, marking a remarkable 48% increase from the previous season. Total attendance across the league surpassed 2.35 million, and the number of sellouts surged from 45 to 154. This momentum continued into the 2025 season, which set another single-season attendance record.

Clark is widely credited as a primary catalyst for this growth, acting as a "rocket fuel" for the league and a key leader for the Fever alongside fellow All-Stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Her most vocal supporters have even suggested she consider transitioning to other professional leagues, believing such a move would underscore her unique value and highlight the WNBA's potential dependence on her draw. Many argue that without Clark's star power, the WNBA might revert to relying on conventional promotional tactics to attract audiences and fill arenas.