Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Coach Points Out Habits She Needs to Break in Rookie Year

Patrick Andres | May 10, 2024

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to scoring three points. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is one of the most complete prospects ever to enter the WNBA, and certainly the most anticipated.

However, the ex-Iowa star is hardly exempt from criticism. Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi ruffled feathers by warning Clark "reality is coming" in April, while Mercury center Brittany Griner expressed belief that Clark would experience "growing (pains)."

The belief that Clark's game needs some fine-tuning was echoed Thursday by Fever coach Christie Sides after Clark scored 12 points, pulled down eight rebounds and gave out six assists in an 83-80 exhibition win over the Atlanta Dream.

"I think she's used to some shots that she's taken in the last few years that are just those deep shots," Sides said. "She's gonna get open looks. She's gotta figure out—I gave her a rule the other day. She's got 0.5 seconds to make a decision."

Caitlin Clark finished last night with 12/8/6 shooting 4/12 from the field and 2/9 from 3. While not her most efficient shooting night, she played an effective floor game.

Christie Sides spoke about her shot selection and habits they’re trying to get her to break from college. pic.twitter.com/VWqFEsvNyw

— Natalie Esquire 🇯🇲 (@natfluential) May 10, 2024

In college, Clark frequently carried her teams, averaging 28.4 points per game over the course of her career. With Indiana, that might not necessarily be the case.

"When she gets off the ball and she hits somebody in the high post, she has a habit of hanging out and dancing," Sides said. "That's what she's done. It's these habits that we've gotta break."

The Fever are scheduled to open regular-season play on Tuesday against the Connecticut Sun.