Indiana Fever Coach’s Blunt Review of Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie Season

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever recently conducted their exit interviews from the 2024 WNBA season. After a few interviews with the players, reporters got a chance to speak with head coach Christie Sides.

Sides spoke on Clark in particular, mentioning that she has a lot of respect for the rookie. She explained that Clark will be leading the Fever for years to come as the established starting point guard in Indiana.

The Fever coach said she admires how Clark stays consistent in the process and has been a true professional at 22 years old.

“She has endured a lot this season and has handled it in the most professional way,” Sides said. “She is our point guard and going to lead our team, but she never tips her hat. She stays the course and stays consistent. A lot of respect for her.”

Throughout her rookie season, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds 8.4 assists per game. She led the rookie class in average points and assists, cementing herself as one of the best players in the WNBA in her first year as a pro.

Clark came into the league as the No. 1 overall pick, having immense pressure on her shoulders after holding the NCAA’s all-time scoring record with 3,951 points.

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides and guard Caitlin Clark (22)

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sides was coaching in her second season with the Fever. In her first year with the organization, Indiana ended the year with a 13-27 record.

After the acquisition of Clark, they secured 20 wins for the first time since 2015, ending the year with a 20-20 record. During her first year in the league, Clark helped take the Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.