Dwyane Wade Drops Different Take On Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Hazing

Many WNBA fans are concerned about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark's treatment in her debut season.

Clark has commented about not receiving advice from WNBA veterans and there have been incidents of physical defense and dirty play against her, leading to questions about whether she is being treated fairly in her rookie year.

Dwyane Wade, the former Miami Heat star, has expressed a contrasting perspective on Clark's 'hazing.' He contends that such treatment is a part of being a rookie in any sports league, not just limited to the WNBA.

“This Caitlin Clark conversation with everyone hazin’, I’m lookin’ at it like, I know what happened my rookie year when I came in. ‘You gonna hit that ground. You bout to feel this ground if you think you bout to keep comin’ in here,’" Wade said. (via Heat Nation )

One specific dirty play that stands out is the shot the former Iowa Hawkeyes star received from Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter, who knocked Clark to the floor in what was deemed a non-basketball play.

Wade continued, "Jamaal Magloire and P.J. Brown tapped me up every time I ran through the paint. … People say hazin’, but this is all a part of, ‘Hey, you gotta show us that you built for this league.'”

Clark has shown the world she is built for the WNBA with her play and maturity. In 19 games, she has helped lead the Fever to a 7-12 record. That's a major improvement from last season, when Indiana didn't get their seventh win until their 26th game.

In slightly under 34 minutes per game, Clark is averaging 16.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. She is also the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists.

Related: Diana Taurasi Used Two Words To Describe Caitlin Clark, Fever

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