ESPN Sparks Controversy with Pre-All-Star WNBA Rankings
Another day, another Caitlin Clark controversy. This time, thanks to ESPN’s Pre-All-Star player rankings. The network slotted Clark at No. 9 overall, which some fans celebrated as long-overdue respect, while others blasted it as yet another example of media favoritism.
After being ranked just the 9th-best guard in the WNBA by fellow players, Clark’s rise in ESPN’s rankings seemed like a course correction. Yet instead of calming the noise, it ignited a new round of debates.
“They keep trying to keep Caitlin up high, but her season has been mediocre at best,” one fan posted.
“The CC/WNBA agenda is gonna backfire soon.”
Polarizing Numbers and the Power of Presence
Statistically, Clark’s season has been a mixed bag. She’s averaging:
- 16.7 PPG (15th in the league)
- 9.0 APG (2nd in the league)
- 37.4 FG%, and just 28.9% from three
- 101.4 defensive rating, but a strong 108.4 offensive rating
So, is she truly a top-10 player? Or just top-10 in hype?
ESPN placed only two guards above her: Allisha Gray at No. 5 and Sabrina Ionescu at No. 6. Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers, this year’s top rookie performer, didn’t even crack the top 10. Eventually landing at No. 13.
“CC being top 10 is just for vibes,” one fan complained. “Angel Reese has been a top 15 player at worst, but ESPN cowards.”
Caitlin Clark has become the lightning rod of WNBA discourse. Many fans view her as a generational talent, capable of transforming the league’s reach and visibility. Others accuse the media of pushing a “poster girl” narrative that sidelines other stars.
One fan noted:
“Clark is the third-best player on her team. Reflect that in the rankings.”
It’s not an outlandish claim. Kelsey Mitchell leads the Indiana Fever in scoring. Aliyah Boston owns the paint and contributes on both ends. Yet Clark’s influence on pace, spacing, and ball movement often doesn’t show up in the box score.
Despite missing 10 games due to injury, Clark’s playmaking (47 assists in her last 5 games) has remained elite, including a 13-assist outing against Dallas.
Read More: Caitlin Clark All-Star Controversy Vindicates Charles Barkley’s “Petty” Comments
ESPN’s Top Choice and the Bigger Picture
At the top of ESPN’s list? No surprises, Napheesa Collier. The MVP frontrunner is averaging 23.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 3.4 APG, dominating both ends of the court. Fans agreed that her No. 1 spot was well earned.
Still, frustration around Caitlin Clark’s placement remained, especially as Angel Reese, who’s averaging a double-double and leads the league in rebounding was left outside the top 10.
Stevie Wonder did this list??
— BLAME THE REF (@BrevieJayy) July 14, 2025
Even Caitlin Clark admits the road hasn’t been easy.
“It’s definitely challenging, and I think it’s been so challenging because I’ve never been through it before,” she said. “Just giving myself grace as I continue to come back and get my feet under me.”
Her head coach, Stephanie White, echoed that sentiment:
“She’s an elite shooter… But she also makes winning plays. She just needs patience and grace.”
And perhaps that’s the word to hold onto; grace. Because while the debate over ESPN’s ranking will rage on, what can’t be denied is this:
Caitlin Clark is still figuring it out under more pressure than any one in recent memory.
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