Caitlin Clark has been the face of a new era in women’s basketball and a major contributor to the league’s rising popularity, but not everyone has been kind to her along the way.
Whether it is debates about her media attention or perceived white privilege, the Indiana Fever sophomore has faced her share of criticism. But now, she has a powerful voice in her corner—WNBA legend Cheryl Miller.
Miller, a legendary figure in women’s basketball and the sister of NBA great Reggie Miller, didn’t hold back in defending Clark. Appearing on the All the Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, she called out those constantly questioning Clark’s rise.
Miller Shuts Down Caitlin Clark’s Haters
Miller was as blunt as ever, making it clear that Clark’s success is well-earned.
“Come on, you big dummies. Is she getting hyped? Yes. But she was in the backyard. She was putting in the same time, sometimes maybe more than you were. I can’t fault her for what she was given. But you know, as much as she was given, you can’t tell me that door would have swung the other way where she didn’t live up to the hype.”
She went on to highlight how Clark’s rise has helped the entire league.
“So with that being said, you big dummies, you’re getting paid now. Everybody now has an opportunity to pull up a chair and have a seat.”
Cheryl Miller on Caitlin Clark not getting the respect she deserves.
Full Video Here: https://t.co/0QlSOwS76J pic.twitter.com/10sjJVP92Z
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) March 13, 2025
Miller’s message was clear—Clark’s impact on the game isn’t just about her. The increased attention to the WNBA, the massive $2.2 billion, 11-year media rights deal, and the rise in WNBA salaries? Clark has played a major role in all of it, and she deserves the accolades.
Clark Had a Historic Rookie Year With The Fever
Despite the noise, Clark let her game do the talking. She led the Fever to their first WNBA playoff berth in eight years, won Rookie of the Year, and earned a spot on the All-WNBA First Team—all in her debut season.
Her numbers during her first year with the Fever were outstanding. She averaged 19.2 points, a league-best 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just “get hyped”—it demands respect.
And Miller has been Clark’s supporter for a while. Back in July 2024, on The Breakthrough Chronicles podcast, she recalled embracing Clark to boost her morale:
“I gave her the biggest hug that I could. And when she saw me, she was like, ‘Oh man, finally, somebody who’s on my side.’”
Clark may be the one facing the pressure, but with legends like Miller backing her up, it’s clear she’s not alone in this fight.
Cheryl Miller slams Caitlin Clark’s critics, calling them “big dummies” and praises Clark’s impact on the WNBA’s rise.