Women’s basketball icon Nancy Lieberman sharply criticized former NBA player Jeff Teague following his comments about Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark on the Club 520 podcast. The debate arose when Teague questioned whether the Fever perform better without Clark, who is sidelined with a right groin injury, sparking backlash due to his dismissive remark about her talent.
Jeff Teague downplays Caitlin Clark’s impact
During the discussion on the podcast, Jeff Teague, joined by his brother Marquis and co-hosts DJ Wells and Brian “Bishop B” Henn, weighed in on the Fever’s fortunes absent Clark. Teague stated bluntly,
“She good, but she not that good,”
referencing Clark’s ability, a comment that many fans and analysts found controversial and dismissive of her accomplishments.
Nancy Lieberman responds with strong defense
Lieberman, a Hall of Famer and trailblazer for women’s basketball, appeared on the 3s and Ones podcast with former NBA player Michael Beasley and reporter Chris Haynes to challenge Teague’s assessment. She critiqued his interpretation of Clark’s abilities by contrasting it with his own career achievements.
I don’t agree with Jeff Teague, who I read something today said that, ‘Caitlin Clark, well she’s just a good player. She’s not a great player.’ Jeff, I love you. You weren’t a great player. You were serviceable. I know you made the All-Star team one time. So I’m sorry, if we’re gonna be honest, I’m happy for your career.
—Nancy Lieberman, Women’s basketball legend
Caitlin Clark’s remarkable basketball career so far
Caitlin Clark made history as the all-time leading scorer across both men’s and women’s NCAA Division I, playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes. She entered the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA as the top pick in the 2024 draft and quickly made an impact by earning Rookie of the Year honors, being named to the All-Star team, and finishing fourth in MVP voting during her debut season. Although her second season has seen lower production as injuries have limited her, her status as an elite player remains widely recognized.
Significance of the debate around Clark’s performance
This exchange highlights the ongoing challenges in recognizing women’s basketball talent fairly, especially for rising stars like Clark. Lieberman’s passionate defense underscores the respect Clark commands among experts and pioneers of the game. As Clark continues to develop in the WNBA despite injury setbacks, discussions about her greatness and influence in the sport will persist, shaping how fans and analysts view women’s basketball’s evolving landscape.