On his show “Don’t @ Me,” OutKick host Dan Dakich criticized the WNBA for not being prepared for the impact that rookie Caitlin Clark has made in her first 26 professional games. Dakich claimed that everyone had warned the league that a “hurricane was coming,” and they were not ready for it. He argued that the league should have anticipated Clark’s star potential and taken steps to enhance her presence, such as ensuring she made the Olympic team and providing support to other players in dealing with her talent. Dakich criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not understanding the situation.
Dakich suggested that the WNBA was more focused on “protecting” the product rather than “enhancing” it, which he believed led to a missed opportunity to capitalize on Clark’s rise to stardom. Despite this, he acknowledged that both Clark and the league as a whole have grown as a result of her success. Dakich emphasized the missed opportunity of not having Clark on the roster for the gold medal game at the Paris Olympics, which Team USA narrowly won against France. He argued that Clark’s presence in the game would have made it must-watch television.
The criticism from Dakich comes at a time when Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole is being recognized. Her standout performances and undeniable talent have drawn attention to the league, sparking debates about how the WNBA should handle rising stars like Clark in the future. Dakich’s comments highlight the importance of proactive planning and support for players like Clark, as well as the need for the league to embrace rather than shy away from such talent.
Despite the WNBA’s perceived shortcomings in handling Caitlin Clark’s emergence, Dakich acknowledged that both Clark and the league have benefited from her success. Clark’s impact has raised the profile of women’s basketball and inspired fans to tune in to see her play. While there may have been missed opportunities to fully capitalize on her potential, Dakich’s criticism serves as a reminder for the league to be more proactive in supporting and promoting its rising stars to ensure the continued growth and success of women’s basketball.
The discussion surrounding Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA and women’s basketball reflects a larger conversation about the growth and development of the sport. As more talented players like Clark enter the league, it is important for the WNBA to adapt and evolve to meet the needs and demands of the changing landscape. By leveraging the star power and potential of players like Clark, the WNBA can continue to attract new fans and elevate the visibility of women’s basketball on the global stage.
In conclusion, Dan Dakich’s criticism of the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark’s rise to stardom highlights the need for proactive planning and support for emerging talent in women’s basketball. While there may have been missed opportunities to fully capitalize on Clark’s success, her impact on the league has been significant. By learning from this experience and taking steps to enhance and promote its rising stars, the WNBA can continue to grow and thrive in an increasingly competitive sports landscape.
