Don't think so.
Only responded because you mentioned her. "I saw my shot and I took it."
This is the best explanation I’ve seen of why the fever are the “wrong team”
Not just mini camps. Clark as turned down other invites to represent USA basketball in other capacities the last 4 years. The college player fifa team in second last season and would have been a great opportunity to play for USA basketball again but she had other priorities. Which is fine but you can’t expect to be prioritized over others for the OLYMPIC team in that case.
That's not entirely accurate. She was part of the U19 squad in 2021. MVP if I recall correctly.
Ah I thought that was in 2020. Either way the point stills stands, it’s been a while since she’s shown up for USA basketball events so getting picked for the Olympic team was always going to be unlikely.
Honestly, I've seen this a bit on social media. I can see both sides. CC is great but probably still not an MVP candidate, probably shouldn't be top 5 (Phee, A'ja, Stewie, Sab, AT). I think Indiana has proven to be a pretty good fit but they've tweaked their lineups and I think the world kinda forgot how good Kelsey Mitchell was as she got off to a slow start. Then the biggest comment imo was regarding her not being able to handle the physicality of the game. I think Sue Bird kinda talked about this, how teams haven't been picking her up full court as much. Lastly, Paige and Caitlin do play different games. I don't think Paige will be on the ball half as much as Caitlin.
Yes and no. What Geno said had some truth. A lot of the newer fans were quick to anoint her without acknowledging or realizing that she'd need some time to adjust. There never was any doubt she'd have impact but a realistic timeframe was the issue from my perspective.
Great points. I know the Iowa board was ready with pitchforks for Coach Sides and everyone else on the roster initially. Haven't peeked over there in a while. Would be interesting to see how the Fever organization is perceived as a whole now. There wasn't a sense of patience to see how the team would develop considering the short timeframe WNBA rookies have to adjust after playing in the NCAA.
The 2018 was very good too: A. Wilson, K. Mitchell, D. Deshields (who was VERY good pre injury in the league), Azura Stevens, Ariel Atkins, Kia Nurse, Gabby Williams all had really solid rookie seasons.
Geno may have been doing a lot of things, but defending her from premature critism was not one of them. More like aligning with Taurasi. What he should have done was keep his beak out of it.
I disagree. CC is, to me, a Top 5 MVP candidate. She's definitely not in the A'ja tier and maybe not at Phee/Sabrina/maybe Kah tier, either. But she's more of an MVP candidate than Alyssa Thomas. Alyssa Thomas isn't even the MVP on her own team. I also wouldn't have Stewie in the Top 5 because Sabrina has been NY's MVP this year.
2018 is maybe comparable if looking at solely rookie seasons. Most of those players haven’t panned out though aside from Wilson/Mitchell/Atkins.
More piling on Geno’s take in today’s Washington Post.
I believe her coaches are asking her to put up shots. Her teammates also appear to support her shooting a lot, as they are winning games.
I‘m thinking she’s going to be much more than just a really good player.
The Fever are finally playing fast to match her. So naturally she's going to shoot a lot and miss a lot. I think that's the nature of her game. I'm not sure that will ever change, and frankly it shouldn't. Her taking those long distance 3's is what is drawing the defense out, and allows her to pass. I've been impressed that she has developed a mid range and a floater already. I think her percentage will improve, but those are shots will continue to be taken. And I guarantee they are encouraged. Sides would bench her if they weren't.
Sally Jenkins still grinding that axe...
