WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Reveals Indiana Fever’s Big Mistake in Caitlin Clark’s Rookie Year
Sheryl Swoopes, a WNBA legend and former star player for the Houston Comets, has been vocal about the state of the women’s game in recent years. In a recent interview, Swoopes reflected on the trajectory of the league, touching on the rise of young stars like Caitlin Clark, the dynamic guard from the University of Iowa, who is projected to make waves in the WNBA as soon as she enters the professional ranks.
As a player who helped revolutionize the game, Swoopes is no stranger to the pressure and excitement that surrounds young, emerging talents. Yet, in her conversation, she pointed out what she saw as a critical mistake made by the Indiana Fever, a franchise that has long struggled to find its footing in the league. According to Swoopes, the Fever missed a golden opportunity when they passed on Caitlin Clark during the 2024 WNBA Draft.
The Fever’s Missed Opportunity
The Indiana Fever were in the unique position of having the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and many speculated that they might select Caitlin Clark, given her sensational college career. Clark, known for her incredible shooting range, court vision, and ability to dominate games, had captivated the basketball world. With the Fever in need of an offensive boost and a leader to help revitalize the franchise, it seemed like a perfect fit.
However, to the surprise of many, the Fever selected forward Aliyah Boston, a powerful and skilled post player from South Carolina, with the top pick instead of Clark. Swoopes, who had watched Clark’s rise closely, expressed her disappointment in the Fever’s decision.
“I think it was a big mistake,” Swoopes said during the interview. “Caitlin Clark is the kind of player who could change the entire trajectory of a franchise. She brings so much excitement to the table, and her ability to score in so many different ways is unmatched in the women’s game right now. The Fever had the chance to build around her, and they passed on that opportunity.”
The Case for Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark’s college career is nothing short of legendary. During her time at Iowa, she led the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including a national championship game in 2023. She set numerous records for scoring, including becoming the first player in NCAA history—men’s or women’s—to surpass 3,000 career points and 900 assists. Her ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor, combined with her high basketball IQ, made her a unique prospect that many experts saw as a future face of the league.
What made Clark even more enticing for WNBA teams was her appeal off the court. With her national recognition and large social media following, Clark was poised to bring in new fans and attract a larger audience to the league. In many ways, selecting Clark was seen as a way to bolster the WNBA’s visibility, increase fan engagement, and usher in a new era for the league.
Swoopes pointed out that the Fever, who have struggled in recent years to find their identity, could have greatly benefited from Clark’s talent. “Indiana is a team that has been in the rebuilding phase for a while,” Swoopes said. “They need a player like Caitlin who can bring energy and excitement. She would have instantly made them more competitive, and she has the type of star power that would’ve helped them attract more attention to the team.”
Why Aliyah Boston Was the Safe Pick
While Swoopes acknowledges Boston’s potential, she believes that the Fever opted for a safer pick. Boston, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft, is an outstanding player in her own right. A dominant presence in the paint, Boston was a key player in South Carolina’s 2022 NCAA championship run, earning accolades for her rebounding, shot-blocking, and versatility on both ends of the floor. Boston’s skills are undeniable, and she has the potential to be a cornerstone player for any team.
However, Swoopes argues that, while Boston’s talent cannot be ignored, the Fever missed out on a player who could have immediately transformed their offensive system. “Aliyah is going to be a great player, no doubt,” Swoopes said. “But Caitlin Clark is one of those players that only comes around once in a generation. She could have taken Indiana to the next level in a way that Boston might not be able to, at least not right away.”
Looking Ahead
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and visibility, teams like the Indiana Fever will have to make key decisions about their futures. With players like Caitlin Clark coming into the fold, the league is poised for a new wave of talent that will shape the next era of women’s basketball.
Swoopes’ comments highlight the delicate balancing act that franchises face when building their teams: the decision between selecting the best available player for immediate impact and choosing a prospect with long-term potential. While the Fever’s decision to pick Aliyah Boston may prove to be wise in the long run, Sheryl Swoopes believes that they missed an opportunity to draft a generational talent in Caitlin Clark—someone who could have brought not just talent but also excitement to a franchise in desperate need of both.
The debate will continue, but one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA will be a game-changer, and every team that passed on her will be watching closely as her career unfolds.
