Why Caitlin Clark is Destined for WNBA MVP Glory

By Jocelyn Alano September 06, 2024 05:40

Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE/Getty Images

Caitlin Clark is synonymous with women's basketball greatness as the latest phenom has catapulted onto the scene, quickly making a name for herself. From her early days as one of the outstanding high school athletes in West Des Moines, to starring at the University of Iowa across four power-packed seasons, Clark has made it quite a long way for herself. Now, the first selection of the 2024 WNBA Draft is in her name, with a new chapter in an already budding career seeking its start.

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Statistical Analysis

She leads her team in points (18.9), assists (8.4), and averages 5.8 rebounds per game to demonstrate she is a well-rounded player. This is also displayed in her shooting percentages, being a 42.5% shooter from the field and boasting an impressive mark of 90% from the stripe. Her numbers clearly illustrate a point-scoring nature.

Clark is especially proficient at distributing, and her impressive assist numbers show she has great vision when looking to pick out teammates. That makes her one of the top guards in the league, and it's a scoring average that matches up with some of the best scorers in WNBA history. In addition to the consistency, a statistic that marks her performance is demonstrated in 34 games played and started proving durability and work rate.

Skill Set

Clark possesses a combination of shot-making ability and natural hoops savvy, making her special. The first thing is her ability to shoot the basketball and get it off. That will stretch defenses out, so there is room for us to drive in the lane.

She has a deep shooting range and releases the ball quickly on her shot, which allows Clark to excel as one of the league's top shooters. Equally impressive is Clark's ball-handling ability and court vision. She's a ball-handling wizard who sends sharp-angled cross-passes through defense.

Team Impact

Clark's influence at Indiana is not always stat-based. She kills on the court and plays a vital part in their lockerroom dynamics. In addition, she is a playmaker who facilitates the offense by ensuring her teammates are involved and in favorable locations. Based on how she pushes, guides, and inspires her team, she has leadership abilities as a rookie.

The Fever have gotten a better record (18-16) this season, partly due to Clark's presence. She is a pressure player and loves competing, both of which have been valuable to the team. Clark also leaves more than an impression in games - the example she sets and the standard that any of her teammates can match her work ethic lifts.

Future Prospects

Landry says, "Caitlin Clark's problem is entirely in the rearview mirror. She won't become the MVP at her current skill level, so she has to continue evolving and performing as well. It all comes down to consistency, of course, and the willingness to further adapt her brand of play in order not only to stave off nonexistent competition but fully confront different kinds of ideas that might come from bigger opponents."

With her special gifts, staggering stats, and undeniable impact on win-shares for a team winning again, Caitlin Clark emerges as an MVP candidate in the WNBA. Her consistency at such a high level and leadership mettle earmarks her as the next rising superstar of this women's league. By the time she finally does, Caitlin Clark will have a huge impact on women's basketball and will be one of those rare players who makes it up to WNBA superstardom.