Sheryl Swoopes’ Obsession With Caitlin Clark’s Success

It’s no secret that Sheryl Swoopes has been one of Caitlin Clark’s loudest critics. From questioning her age and experience to dismissing her record-breaking college career, Swoopes has seemingly taken every opportunity to downplay Clark’s achievements.

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest (and most misleading) claims Swoopes has made:

Clark was too old for college basketball – Swoopes falsely claimed that Clark was 25 years old in her senior season. In reality, Clark was 22 years old—the standard age for a college senior.

Clark took an unfair number of shots – Swoopes suggested Clark took 40 shots per game, an exaggerated number. The real statistic? 22.7 shots per game, just three more than Swoopes averaged in her own senior year.

Clark needed extra years to break records – Swoopes insinuated that Clark’s NCAA scoring record was illegitimate because she had an extra year of eligibility. The truth? Clark broke the record in four years, just like previous record holders.

These weren’t just minor errors—they were attempts to discredit one of the most exciting players women’s basketball has ever seen.

Enter Cheryl Miller: A Basketball Legend Sets the Record Straight

While Swoopes and other critics were tearing Clark down, Cheryl Miller—the Hall of Famer and one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time—decided to step in and shut down the nonsense.

Appearing on the All the Smoke podcast, Miller didn’t hold back when addressing the baseless attacks on Clark:

“Come on, you big dummies.”

That single line instantly went viral. But Miller wasn’t just defending Clark for the sake of it—she was exposing a deeper problem in the way Clark has been treated by some of the sport’s biggest names.

Miller made it clear:

Clark is not just an elite scorer—she’s a generational talent who elevates the game.

The WNBA is benefiting financially from Clark’s presence—even those who criticize her.

Instead of tearing Clark down, legends should be embracing her impact on the sport.

Miller to the WNBA: “You’re All Getting Paid Because of Her”

One of the most powerful points Miller made was how Clark’s success is directly benefiting everyone in the WNBA—including those trying to undermine her.

“You big dummies… You’re getting paid now, right?”

That was Miller’s direct callout to Clark’s critics, highlighting the undeniable truth:

Clark’s arrival has skyrocketed ticket sales and TV ratings.

WNBA games featuring Clark are selling out at record levels.

Sponsorships and media coverage have dramatically increased.

Despite these facts, some of the league’s former greats have refused to acknowledge Clark’s impact, instead choosing to fuel division and resentment. Miller wasn’t having it.

“We all have a seat at the table, and it’s for the betterment of the sport.”

Rather than gatekeeping success, Miller urged the league to embrace Clark’s rise and use it to build a stronger WNBA.

Clark’s Critics Went Silent After She Proved Them Wrong

One of the most damning moments of Miller’s interview was when she pointed out how Swoopes and other critics suddenly went quiet after Clark started proving them wrong.

Before the season: Clark won’t dominate in the WNBA.

After the season: Clark led the league in assists and averaged 19.2 PPG.

Before the season: Clark’s game won’t translate at the pro level.

After the season: Clark made the All-Star team and changed the WNBA’s marketability overnight.

Swoopes boldly predicted that Clark wouldn’t make much of an impact in the WNBA. That prediction aged like milk as Clark went on to lead the league in assists and become the face of women’s basketball.

Suddenly, Swoopes had nothing to say.

Miller’s Insider Take: “I Didn’t Realize How Good She Really Was”

One of the most fascinating parts of Miller’s defense of Clark was that it came from firsthand experience.

Miller coached Clark during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, and what she witnessed completely changed her perception of the young star:

“I didn’t realize how talented she was… She sees the game in 3D.”

Miller wasn’t just impressed with Clark’s scoring—she was blown away by her basketball IQ, passing, and leadership.

“People don’t talk about how well she passes the ball… That young lady can pass.”

While the media was obsessing over Clark’s shooting, Miller saw the bigger picture—Clark’s court vision and ability to create plays set her apart from everyone else.

Final Thoughts: Will the WNBA Finally Give Clark Her Credit?

Miller’s interview was more than just a defense of Caitlin Clark—it was a wake-up call to the entire WNBA.

Instead of trying to diminish Clark’s success, legends like Swoopes should be supporting her. Clark’s rise isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity to elevate the entire sport.

Miller’s message was crystal clear:

Clark isn’t just a great player—she’s a generational talent.

The WNBA is thriving because of her presence.

It’s time to embrace Clark’s success, not tear it down.

With ticket sales soaring, TV ratings at an all-time high, and sponsorship deals pouring in, the WNBA has a golden opportunity to secure its future.

The question now is: will the league’s biggest names get on board, or will they let old grudges get in the way of progress?

One thing is for sure—Cheryl Miller just changed the conversation, and the WNBA will never be the same.