Sometimes, the most profound statements are the simplest. This rings true for Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark, who shared her thoughts on Diana Taurasi’s retirement. When Taurasi announced her retirement on Tuesday, it caught many off guard—not because she was retiring, but because of the manner in which she did it.
The announcement came on a Tuesday afternoon, and as news spread, reactions flooded in from all corners. Among the recent tributes is Clark, who took to her Instagram story to share a post from ESPN that honored Taurasi’s illustrious career. Clark’s reply was succinct:
Interestingly, leading up to the season, the two shared a bit of a rivalry, predominantly on Taurasi’s side. When asked about Clark making the leap from college to the WNBA, the Phoenix Mercury star had a pointed response: “Reality is coming.”
This comment ruffled some feathers, but that’s part of Taurasi’s personality. Known for her humor, she also recognizes the significant differences between college and professional basketball. However, in their initial matchup, Taurasi grasped the caliber of the Fever rookie’s talent and acknowledged her potential.
Diana Taurasi was taken aback by Fever’s Caitlin Clark
Impressing Taurasi takes a combination of skill, tenacity, and perseverance. She holds numerous league records, so it says a lot that their first meeting was highly anticipated. The game attracted over two million viewers, making it one of the most-watched of the season.
In that game, Clark nearly achieved a triple-double. After the match, Taurasi remarked that Clark possesses the talent to become the face of the league. Despite their earlier banter, it was clear that Taurasi held great respect for the rookie’s abilities. Now, Clark has the chance to aim for the title of WNBA’s next GOAT.
That said, she faces stiff competition. Players like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart have already established their dominance in the league. Nevertheless, Clark has shattered numerous records even as a rookie, suggesting that her career is just beginning.
In any case, the Fever have a once-in-a-generation player on their hands. Just as Taurasi opened doors for the next wave of talent, Clark could very well find herself in a similar position toward the end of her own career, provided she remains injury-free.
Image Source: Caitlin Clark @ Instagram
