Candace Parker tells Caitlin Clark haters to ‘go to therapy’ after shocking WNBA player rankings

Parker Urges WNBA Players to Seek Therapy Over Clark Rankings Controversy

A Veteran Legend's Perspective on the League's Treatment of Its Newest Star

Candace Parker tells Caitlin Clark haters - Caitlin Clark has undeniably become the focal point of professional women's basketball, and for good reason. While established names like A'ja Wilson certainly compete with her on an MVP-caliber level, no other player at her position combines scoring and playmaking abilities quite like the Indiana Fever guard. Yet, when her own colleagues were asked to rank the league's best guards, Clark landed at a surprising eleventh position. This peer-voted survey added fuel to what many observers have described as a growing campaign against the young phenom. The notion that fellow WNBA players harbor resentment toward Clark is hardly new. Many have pointed to jealousy over her immense popularity and marketability as the driving force behind this perceived hostility. The recent rankings served as yet another illustration of this league-wide sentiment. WNBA Hall of Famer Candace Parker addressed the situation directly during a conversation with Clark's Fever teammate, Aliyah Boston. Parker expressed frustration that the league continues to show disrespect toward Clark despite her undeniable talent and impact. She emphasized that it is time for players to recognize their own insecurities and address them rather than letting them manifest as criticism. Her comments highlighted a broader issue within the professional ranks where too many athletes have chosen bitterness over genuine appreciation for their peers.

"I think people need to look at themselves in the mirror and realize you've got some insecurities, if you're sitting down and putting Caitlin Clark as the 11th-best guard. Y'all need to go to a therapist and figure out what childhood issues you have, 'cause if you're sitting there, and looking at yourself in the mirror, and putting her at the 11th-best guard like c'mon."

Parker brings considerable credibility to her observations. Her illustrious career includes three championship titles, two MVP awards, a Finals MVP honor, and Defensive Player of the Year recognition. Additionally, she earned seven All-Star selections and captured two Olympic gold medals. In Parker's estimation, she would never have participated in an anti-campaign against some of the greatest players from her era, even those she personally disliked.

"When I sat down, as much as I did not like Diana Taurasi, there ain't no way I'm not going to write her as an All-Star."

"As much as I did not like anyone on the Lynx because they used to whoop our a**, I'm not going to not put Maya Moore or Sylvia Fowles."

The All-Star voting system divides participation equally among three groups: fans contribute fifty percent of the vote, while players and media each account for twenty-five percent. Clark secured second place in fan voting and earned a starting position through support from fans and media members, rather than her fellow competitors. This outcome underscores the disconnect between player perceptions and public opinion. WNBA players, former athletes, and media personalities have collectively attempted to diminish Clark's hype, arguing that she has been overrated. They seem to overlook the remarkable phenomenon that has accompanied her since her college days. Her appeal deserves celebration, even if some WNBA players fail to recognize its significance. Since Clark's arrival in the league, attendance and viewership numbers have reached unprecedented heights. The WNBA averaged 9,807 spectators per game during the 2024 season, representing a forty-eight percent increase from the previous year. Total attendance surpassed 2.35 million fans, while sellout games surged from forty-five to one hundred fifty-four. The league continued this momentum by establishing another single-season attendance record in 2025. Clark has served as rocket fuel for the organization, acting as the sparkplug alongside All-Stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. She has also proven herself to be a capable leader in her own right. Without her presence, the WNBA might have to resort to creating additional promotional nights merely to attract crowds. Some of Clark's most devoted supporters have even suggested she consider switching leagues to further pressure the WNBA into meaningful changes. For more insights and to share your perspective, contact alejandro.avila@outkick.com or follow along on X: @alejandroaveela.