WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes made waves last week after her controversial take on Caitlin Clark's upcoming professional career — which Clark's boyfriend didn't take too kindly to.
During an appearance on "Gil's Arena" podcast last week, Swoopes — who is a three-time WNBA MVP, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and 2016 Naismith Basketball of Fame inductee — raised questions about how effective both Clark and LSU standout Angel Reese will be in the WNBA.
"I think Angel will eventually be a good pro," Swoopes said. "I don't think Angel will come into the league immediately and dominate the way people think she will. And I say that for people who have never watched a WNBA game. It's good. There's talent—like these women can play. And because there are very few roster spots. It's a real job.
"Will Caitlin Clark be a good pro?" Swoopes continued. "Absolutely. Will Caitlin Clark come into the WNBA and do what she's doing right now immediately? Absolutely not."
SportsCenter's instagram account reposted this quote from Swoopes; prompting Connor McCaffery — former Iowa basketball player, current NBA coach, and Caitlin Clark's boyfriend — to comment, '????'.
While McCaffery's comment might not make sense for those who don't speak emoji slang, McCaffery is essentially calling B.S. on Swoope's estimation of his soon to be record-setting girlfriend.
Most people are taking McCaffery's side, as well. While it would be nearly impossible for Clark to reproduce the insane statistics that she has amassed across her college career in the WNBA, she is still one of the best prospects to enter professional women's basketball in a long, long time — and seems destined to become a WNBA star as soon as next season.
Of course, Swoopes isn't asserting that Clark won't become one of the WNBA's best players eventually. Her comment instead states that it would be ridiculous to expect Clark to be a top WNBA player during her rookie season.
Only time will tell whether Swoopes or McCaffery is accurate. Yet, it's usually best to not underestimate what Iowa's icon can do on the court.
