In recent discussions about the Indiana Fever, some commentators have suggested that the team might actually perform better without their star player, Caitlin Clark. ESPN’s Carolyn Peck, for instance, remarked that Indiana seems “more dangerous” when Clark isn’t on the court.
On a Thursday broadcast, Peck explained that with Clark actively controlling the game, the opposing team knows what to expect. However, she noted how the Fever now boast a variety of offensive options, making them a much tougher opponent. She specifically highlighted players like Kelsey Mitchell, Ahri McDonald, and Ariya Boston, while somewhat overlooking Clark’s other teammates.
“When your guards are players like Kelsey Mitchell and Ali MacDonald, plus a versatile player like Aliya Boston, Indiana really poses a threat, especially defensively,” Peck emphasized. Her comments sparked a wave of backlash on social media from Clark’s supporters.
One Twitter user reposted Peck’s remarks, expressing anticipation that criticism of Clark would follow. Another user humorously said, “We’ve seen all the criticism of Clark last year; why would it change this season?” Some even went so far as to call Peck’s opinions misguided.
For context, Peck had previously coached Purdue’s women’s basketball team to an NCAA championship in 1999. Clark has been sidelined recently due to injuries, missing several games, which has added more fuel to the ongoing debate about her value to the Fever.
Currently, when Clark is part of the team, Indiana’s offensive rating sits at 85.0, but drops to 80.2 without her. While playing, she averages 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.9 turnovers. It seems this conversation around her impact, or lack thereof, isn’t going to cool down anytime soon.
