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Caitlin Clark is the most popular player in the WNBA by far.
But Las Vegas Aces star A’Ja Wilson the best player in the WNBA — by far.
And Wilson recently issued a reminder to fans that she, as well as the league’s other stars, aren’t going to be disrespected and pushed aside just because of Clark.
“I felt like I was mentally tired in that whole whirlwind of people constantly saying, ‘A’ja you’re only known because of Caitlin [Clark]; we’re only here because of Caitlin,’” Wilson said in a recent interview for Marie Claire. “And that’s great, I get that, but while you’re here I’m not going to let you discredit me or the work that I’ve done, or my teammates or the people who came before have done.”
Caitlin Clark Has Overshadowed A Legendary Season From A’Ja Wilson
Wilson is currently in the midst of an historic, unprecedented season.
The two-time MVP leads the WNBA in scoring at 27.2 points per game and also leads the league in rebounds at 12.0 per game. Just halfway through the regular season, Wilson has all but locked up a third MVP award.
But it’s Clark, not Wilson, who receives all the headlines. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green spoke recently about the WNBA rectifying that issue.
“The best thing since sliced bread in the WNBA is A’ja Wilson,” Green said. “I’m not necessarily in the mindset that it’s all Caitlin Clark. No. A’ja Wilson is great. A’ja Wilson to me is the American dream. Coming from a two-parent household, grew, got better, young Black girl, had everything against her, beat the odds to become what soon will be known as the greatest player to ever grace the WNBA. That’s quite honestly my opinion. I think A’ja Wilson is as marketable as anybody in the WNBA, but you have to figure out how to market the product.”
There is room for both Clark and Wilson to shine in the WNBA. Especially after the league recently signed a significant new media rights deal.
But make no mistake, Wilson wants the credit that she has rightfully earned.