Brittney Griner is thrilled about how Caitlin Clark and this year’s rookie class are bringing new fans to the WNBA. However, much like Diana Taurasi, she wants them to know what lies ahead.
The pros are different than college. There will (probably) be an adjustment period.
Taurasi has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to first-year players. Considered by most to be the greatest of all-time, she warned Clark that “reality is coming” in the W and went out of her way to show Nika Mühl who is boss during their preseason game earlier this week.
All of this “old head” beef is great for the league.
Griner may not feel quite as strongly as Taurasi about rookies but they share the same sentiment.
The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft plays alongside the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft with the Phoenix Mercury. She recently spoke with People about a variety of different topics. Among them was the transition to the next level.
Griner recalled how it was difficult for her to adjust at first.
It’s different, when you come from college to the pros. I went from top dog to my numbers going down a bit. You’re going up against grown women. This is how they feed their families. This is not just for love of the [game]. This is their livelihood.
— Brittney Griner
Although she eventually went on to become a nine-time All-Star, Griner said that her rookie season was an “eye-opener” that made her realize she needed to grow both physically and mentally to keep up.
I had to get stronger, lock in a little more. There will be some growing [pains] for [Caitlin Clark], but she’ll be fine.
— Brittney Griner
Unlike Taurasi, Griner does not seem to have any bad blood with/toward Caitlin Clark. They both seem to think that the greatest scorer in college basketball history is going to get knocked down a peg or two once she gets into her first season.
Clark’s first preseason game made Taurasi (and now Griner) eat their words. It will be interesting to see if her early success can/will continue into the regular season. The eyes of the world are going to be on the Fever when they play the Sun on May 14!