Tennis legend Billie Jean King is warning WNBA players not to squander their good fortune of playing at the same time as Kaitlyn Clark.
WNBA veterans have been playing hard defense against Clark in her rookie year, but things got worse on Saturday when Sky guard Chennedy Carter unleashed a vile, unbasketball-like attack on her and Clark showed no remorse.
King advised WNBA executives not to screw this up.
“This generation is so important to the WNBA and we have to set an example. Kids are watching. How do you want to be remembered? This generation has a chance to light this league on fire. Don’t let it get ruined with animosity. Don’t let it get ruined. Just play. Play hard, but don’t be sneaky,” King said. He told USA Today.
King pointed out how much Clark, who set the NCAA’s all-time scoring record last season and is the top pick in the 2024 draft, has already improved the league.
“The WNBA has always been great with some incredible stars like Maya Moore, Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, but this year has been a turning point and it’s all because of Kaitlyn,” she said.
“We’re breaking collegiate records, everybody’s wearing the No. 22 jersey, it’s a good thing for the WNBA, for women’s sports. We’re seeing sold-out shows, interest is growing, it’s great for everybody, and we’ve just got to keep the momentum going.”
“Whether you like it or not, Kaitlyn is the reason why there’s so much interest. She’s a superstar. When she does well, everyone does better. The league will be better. The veteran players built the foundation, and now Kaitlyn and the newcomers have a great foundation to take the league to a whole new place.”
King cited her former on-court rival, Chris Evert, as having to tell other pro players not to get jealous when she entered the pro circuit at age 16 and started winning big matches.
“She brought a lot of attention to us,” King recalled.
“I told them Chris is great for our sport. Look at the crowds. We can’t fit anybody in. She’s the next superstar. She’s going to put more money in our pockets.”
She added: “That means everyone has to be nicer. When we’re on the court playing against her we have to play tough like we always do, but no sneaky attacks. It’s our job to make sure she’s treated fairly.”
