Diana Taurasi addressed speculation about her relationship with Caitlin Clark during a brief interview at the National Sports Collector Convention on Saturday, emphasizing their positive connection. The WNBA legend dismissed rumors of tension and highlighted her admiration for the Indiana Fever guard’s talent and professionalism.
Taurasi expressed genuine respect and friendship toward Clark, stating that their interactions have been consistently positive and that she appreciates Clark both on and off the court.
“Me and Caitlin are really good friends. We get along really well. We’ve had some great interactions,” Taurasi said. “I just absolutely love what she does on the court, off the court. When I watch her play, and the way she goes about her business, there’s a seriousness about it that I love.”
—Diana Taurasi, WNBA Legend
Beyond their personal rapport, Taurasi praised Clark for elevating the game, suggesting the guard’s influence is helping the league enter a promising new phase.
Competitive Beginnings: Taurasi and Clark’s Early Matchups
During Clark’s rookie season, she and Taurasi often faced off in highly competitive games, which fueled rumors about an on-court rivalry. Clark quickly became one of the most notable figures in women’s basketball, drawing widespread attention to the WNBA and expanding its global reach.
Taurasi recognized the impact Clark has made, relating it to her own experience as a rising star during the post-Sheryl Swoopes era. While Taurasi’s influence helped sustain the league through difficult periods, Clark’s recent rise has brought an unprecedented level of excitement and visibility to the sport.
Mentorship and Reality Check Before Clark’s WNBA Debut
Before Clark’s first season in the WNBA, Taurasi offered her a candid warning about the challenges of transitioning from college basketball to the professional level. In April 2024, as Clark prepared to join the Fever after a deep Final Four run with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Taurasi emphasized the gap between collegiate competition and the WNBA’s demands.
“Reality is coming,” Taurasi said. “You know, there are levels to this thing. And that’s just life, we’ve all been through it. You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against some 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time.”
—Diana Taurasi, WNBA Legend
Despite the warning, Clark quickly exceeded expectations by adapting swiftly to the professional game, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game on 41.7% shooting during her rookie year.
Her outstanding performance helped lead Indiana to its first playoff berth since 2016, and she capped the season by earning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
What Clark’s Rise Means for the WNBA’s Future
The growing friendship between Taurasi and Clark, coupled with Clark’s impressive rookie season, signals a hopeful future for the WNBA. Taurasi’s respect for Clark reflects the league’s ongoing evolution as new talent emerges to build on the foundation laid by previous stars.
As Clark continues to develop, her impact is likely to extend beyond on-court achievements, helping to elevate the visibility and popularity of women’s professional basketball worldwide. Taurasi’s support underscores a passing of the torch, highlighting progress and renewed energy in the league’s trajectory.