WNBA legend Candace Parker has strongly criticized fellow players for ranking Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark as the 11th-best guard in the league, suggesting that those who voted so low harbor insecurities.
Parker, speaking with Clark's teammate Aliyah Boston, called the peer rankings "crazy" and suggested that players should "go to a therapist" to address underlying issues if they cannot objectively assess Clark's abilities.
"I wholeheartedly believe that there need to be some rules with the WNBA players, because this is getting out of hand," Parker stated. "Caitlin Clark [being] voted 11th-best guard by WNBA players, that's crazy."
Parker, a three-time champion and two-time MVP, argued that resentment and insecurity are poisoning the league, preventing players from acknowledging Clark's talent and impact. She contrasted this with her own experience, stating she would never have ranked stars like Diana Taurasi or Maya Moore outside of All-Star consideration, regardless of personal feelings or team rivalries.
Clark's peers' voting is particularly notable given her significant impact on the league since her arrival. The WNBA has seen record-breaking attendance and viewership numbers, with average attendance increasing by 48% in 2024 compared to the previous season. Total attendance surpassed 2.35 million, and the number of sellouts surged from 45 to 154 in 2025, setting a new single-season attendance record.
Despite her performance on the court, where she is averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, Clark did not receive high marks from her fellow players. While fans and media placed her highly – contributing to her All-Star starting spot through a combination of 50% fan vote and 25% media vote each – the 25% player vote ranked her much lower.
Parker believes Clark's popularity and the phenomenon surrounding her since college should be celebrated, as she has been a significant catalyst for the league's recent growth. The WNBA legend asserted that without Clark, the league might struggle to maintain its current attendance and viewership levels.