In a recent episode of his show “Don’t @ Me,” OutKick host Dan Dakich criticized the WNBA for being unprepared for the impact that rookie Caitlin Clark has had on the league in her first 26 games. Dakich stated that everyone had warned the league that a “hurricane was coming” with Clark, but they failed to adequately prepare for it. He argued that the WNBA should have anticipated Clark’s star potential and taken steps to enhance her presence in the league, such as ensuring she made the Olympic team and providing support to other players in interacting with her.
Dakich expressed disappointment in WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not recognizing the significance of Clark’s impact and failing to support her properly. He criticized the league for focusing on “protecting” the product rather than enhancing it, saying that they missed an opportunity to capitalize on Clark’s talent and grow the sport. Despite the WNBA’s lack of preparation, Dakich acknowledged that both Caitlin Clark and the league have shown growth and resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.
The host suggested that if Caitlin Clark had been included in the Paris Olympics roster, the gold medal game would have been a must-watch event. Team USA ultimately defeated France by one point to claim the gold, but Dakich argued that Clark’s presence would have added an extra level of excitement and anticipation to the game. He emphasized the missed opportunity for the WNBA to showcase one of its rising stars on a global stage and lamented the league’s failure to capitalize on Clark’s potential impact.
Dakich’s critique of the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark reflects a broader concern about the league’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of women’s basketball. He argued that failing to recognize and support emerging talent like Clark could hinder the growth and popularity of the WNBA. By prioritizing protection over enhancement, Dakich suggested that the league may be missing out on opportunities for expansion and engagement with fans.
Despite the WNBA’s initial missteps, Dakich highlighted the positive growth and development seen in both Caitlin Clark and the league as a whole. He applauded Clark for her resilience and performance on the court, as well as the WNBA for adapting to the challenges presented by her unexpected rise. Moving forward, Dakich urged the league to be more proactive in identifying and supporting young talent to ensure a bright future for women’s basketball at all levels.
In conclusion, Dan Dakich’s criticism of the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing emerging talent in women’s basketball. While the league may have initially been caught off guard by Clark’s impact, there is an opportunity for growth and improvement moving forward. By learning from this experience and taking steps to enhance the presence of stars like Clark, the WNBA can continue to evolve and attract new fans to the sport. With a focus on proactively supporting young talent and expanding opportunities for players to shine, the league has the potential to thrive in the years to come.
