“Sometimes you need that” Caitlin Clark gets real on having ‘goons’ to protect star players from bullies

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark was subjected to a lot of physical plays in her rookie season in the WNBA.

“Sometimes you need that” Caitlin Clark gets real on having ‘goons’ to protect star players from bullies

Indiana Fever players protect Caitlin Clark from goons

When Caitlin Clark stepped foot onto a WNBA floor, she knew the game would be physical. Stronger and older players dominated the professional league, which meant the Indiana Fever superstar would have to adjust to the physicality.

A few games in, and she was struggling with her own performances. Be it growing pains from playing with entirely different teammates, or adjusting to the physicality of the league, Clark had some trouble adjusting. Her first welcome to the league moment was when her body snapped back when hit with a screen.

YouTube video

She continued to have trouble handling the physicality and looked like she was avoiding driving to the rim. Then, Chicago Sky star Chennedy Carter bodied Clark, which led some to suggest that the Indiana Fever recruit some tough players who could be Clark’s bodyguard on the court.

Her teammates did not confront opponents when such situations arose. Famed talk show host David Letterman asked the 23-year-old if goons exist in the WNBA. Clark knew where this question was going and replied.

Probably not so much in the WNBA, only because there’s less than 144 spots to be on the team. But I know for a fact there are people in the NBA, they’re on the team to protect their star player. That’s just how it goes. And sometimes you need that. Things are gonna happen.

Caitlin Clark said

She initially said ‘yeah’ but then retracted to say the above on this Netflix special. This means she knows about the bullies in the WNBA and also knows that goons are necessary to protect star players. But going by how her team is designed, talking about goons will paint a negative picture.

Caitlin Clark says her teammates protect her

Most of her teammates from last season have left the team. A few core members remain, and along with them, the Indiana Fever signed and traded for a number of impactful players. Caitlin Clark believes the new players will protect her just like her former teammates.

People have gotta be there to protect you. My teammates do that for me, but they’re all hoopers. They’re not goons.

Caitlin Clark said

The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year essentially suggested that her teammates are not goons. They will protect her when needed but might not go out to confront opponents and enter into a scuffle. But it was probably a diplomatic answer considering the Fever new roster consists of players who can take a quarrel up a notch.

New Fever roster has quite a few tough players

The Indiana Fever went on an all-out blitz in free agency to get hold of veterans who can elevate the team. In doing that, they landed Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, Brianna Turner and Sydney Colson. The latter might be the jokester on the team and Howard and Turner are not confrontational.

But DeWanna Bonner does not back down from an altercation. She and Caitlin Clark nearly got into it during the playoffs last season. Therefore, if needed Bonner can engage with anyone if they need to get an earful.

Then there is Sophie Cunningham, a veteran guard who the Fever traded for. She is known to be one of the feistiest players in the WNBA. Most players do not like messing with her as they know she never backs down from an argument.

Considering how Caitlin Clark trash talks while on the floor, the new-look CC protection squad will be on the lookout. Last season, they moved her away from talking too much to opposing players and referees. This season, some of them might engage to turn the heat on, invariably shielding Clark away from it.