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NBA commissioner Adam Silver pleads for Caitlin Clark to be left alone amid WNBA and Olympic rows: 'Take the pressure off'
While noting how there are no shortcuts for Caitlin Clark in the pros, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the rookie's need space to grow.
Clark's star power has been the driving force for a stampede of eyes watching the WNBA since she was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever after a stellar collegiate career with Iowa.
While speaking about Clark's growth and impact on the sport ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, Silver urged spectators to take the pressure off her young shoulders.
'I think Caitlin [Clark] knows, she's ultimately got to prove it on the floor, and you can't anoint stars in this league,' Silver said on ESPN's NBA Countdown.
'I believe she's going to deliver. She seems to have the character, and the drive, and the will, and the talent. But let her evolve as a player. I want to take the pressure off her, not put more pressure on her.'
Adam Silver pleaded that fans should 'take the pressure off' Caitlin Clark to allow her to grow
The NBA commissioner also noted that Clark's work on the court will do the talking
Silver's comments came as Clark has not had the warmest of welcomes in the WNBA.
Though she has brought plenty of attention, Clark has received several welcome-to-the-league moments, including hard fouls and trash talk from her contemporaries on top of the mass coverage.
Fans and media members have argued Clark is being bullied or targeted by veteran players. Meanwhile, several WNBA vets and pundits insist that the physicality is something Clark should adjust to in the league.
Additionally, an outcry from fans erupted from Clark getting left out of the USA Women's Basketball roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Team USA selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti acknowledged the noise and pressure to select Clark for the stars and stripes.
Clark has been on receiving end of several welcome-to-the-league moments from veterans
Fans moaned over Clark getting left out of the United States roster for the Paris Olympics
'Here's the basketball criteria that we were given as a committee and how do we evaluate our players based on that?' Rizzotti said.
'And when you base your decision on criteria, there were other players that were harder to cut because they checked a lot more boxes. Then sometimes it comes down to position, style of play for [coach Cheryl Reeve], and then sometimes a vote.'
It was noted that, unlike the 12 women on the team, Clark has no prior senior national team experience. Reports also emphasized how marketing and popularity are not part of the criteria for international selection - debunking one of the widespread arguments from fans.
'I'm excited for the girls that are on the team,' Clark said following the news.
'I know it's the most competitive team in the world and I know it could've gone either way, me being on the team or me not being on the team.
Jen Rizzotti shared that experience was a key factor that the No 1 pick lacked over others
Due to her popularity and the eyes she brought to the WNBA, many resented Clark's snub
Clark is currently averaging 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and six assists as the Fever are 3-10
'I'm excited for them, gonna be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, it'll be fun to watch them.
'Honestly, no disappointment. I think it just gives you something to work for. It's a dream, hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little bit more motivation. You remember that and hopefully, when four years comes back around, I can be there.'
Clark is currently averaging 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and six assists as the Fever are 3-10 a quarter into the season.