The Indiana Fever have been eliminated from the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, signaling the end of a busy season for rookie phenom Caitlin Clark.
In her first season as a pro, Clark somehow exceeded the astronomical expectations that came with being viewed as a generational prospect. She made it a habit to rewrite history, setting the single-season record for total assists, leading the league in assists per game and recording two triple-doubles .
Impressive as Clark was as a rookie, it's important to acknowledge that she is only scratching the surface of her potential. The 2024 version of Clark is likely the worst version of her that the league will have to deal with, a prospect that should be as encouraging for the Fever as it is scary for the rest of the W.
As the rookie chapter of Clark's career closes, the next begins. What does the immediate future hold for the 22-year-old?
Here is what lies ahead for Clark and how she can build on an incredible rookie campaign.
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What's next for Caitlin Clark?
While winning big was the goal for Clark and the Fever, an early playoff exit provides a much-needed reprieve from a year of nonstop action.
Clark's senior season at Iowa tipped off with an exhibition on Oct. 15, 2023 and ran through the National Championship Game on April 7, 2024. Clark was drafted eight days after her final college game and began training camp for her rookie season on April 28.
Aside from a three-week break for the Olympics, Clark has been competing at a high level for 11 consecutive months, averaging 35 minutes over 80-plus games. She now can take a deep breath and hit reset before her next move.
MORE: Complete list of Caitlin Clark's accolades after sterling rookie season
Offseason development
As mentioned above, the 2024 season is most likely Clark's floor in the WNBA.
Impressive as Clark was this year, the game will slow down for her as she will be able to clean up some of the issues that plagued her in Year 1. At times, the increase in physicality and speed at the WNBA level has impacted Clark, who struggled with some defenses and led the league in turnovers.
With a proper offseason, Clark can rest before adding strength and continuing to work on her game. Needless to say, she'll be poised to make a significant leap in her sophomore season.
Clark already has a case to be among the league's top-10 players despite some of the shortcomings that are not uncommon for rookies. As she minimizes those shortcomings, she'll be an even bigger force in the league.
Greater efficiency, cleaner ball control and more strength will result in more scoring, more assists and more triple-doubles in the future.
MORE: Caitlin Clark breaking WNBA assists record showcases her legendary potential
Will Caitlin Clark play in the Unrivaled 3x3 League?
As the WNBA plays 40 regular-season games over four months, it is not uncommon for star players to participate in other leagues.
In years past, many players have opted to play overseas, but this year marks the first in which the Unrivaled League will be an option for players. Unrivaled, which is a 3x3 league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, tips off in Miami in January.
There has been speculation that Clark would participate in the Unrivaled League, which has already secured a commitment from Angel Reese. Clark neither confirmed nor denied whether or not she would be playing in the league, keeping the door open for potential participation.
After Indiana's first-round playoff exit, though, she did confirm she will not be playing overseas in the offseason . That leaves the door open for Unrivaled.
Should Clark play in the league's inaugural season, she would still have around three months of an offseason to rest and recharge before returning to the basketball floor at the beginning of the new year.
With the emergence of the Unrivaled League, players across the league will likely feel less pressure to play in leagues outside of the United States during the WNBA offseason.
Caitlin Clark stats
- 35.4 minutes per game
- 19.2 points per game
- 8.4 assists per game
- 5.7 rebounds per game
- 1.3 steals per game
- 5.6 turnovers per game
- 41.7 percent field goal shooting
- 34.4 percent 3-point shooting
- 90.6 percent free throw shooting
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