After smashing exceptional records in the Iowa Hawkeyes jersey, Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA but has not yet been able to display the same performances for the Indiana Fever. This led to loads of criticism coming her way, but former NBA star and analyst Charles Barkley came to her defense and lashed out at her critics, calling them “petty.”

On TNT’s “Inside The NBA” broadcast ahead of the opening game of the NBA Western Conference Finals between the Mavericks and Timberwolves, Barkley said, “You woman out there, y’all petty, man… Y’all should be thanking (Caitlin Clark) for getting y’all (expletive) private charters.”

Charles Barkley and Caitlin Clark (Image Source: Getty Images)

After smashing exceptional records in the Iowa Hawkeyes jersey, Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA but has not yet been able to display the same performances for the Indiana Fever. This led to loads of criticism coming her way, but former NBA star and analyst Charles Barkley came to her defense and lashed out at her critics, calling them “petty.”

On TNT’s “Inside The NBA” broadcast ahead of the opening game of the NBA Western Conference Finals between the Mavericks and Timberwolves, Barkley said, “You woman out there, y’all petty, man… Y’all should be thanking (Caitlin Clark) for getting y’all (expletive) private charters.”

The Hall of Famer highlighted that it is Clark who has brought in the viewership to the league that even the big names couldn’t pull. The point guard has certainly forced people to tune in and watch her create magic on the court. Her debut game in the regular season recorded an average of 2.13 million viewers, becoming the most-watched game in the WNBA in roughly 23 years.

Clark has been averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists in the 5 games she played with the Fever, but none of them resulted in a win. Though the 22-year-old is having a rocky start, she has the support of NBA stars Charles Barkley and LeBron James, who understand her value.

LeBron James Also Defends Caitlin Clark

Being the face of the NBA for nearly two decades, LeBron James has the knowledge to recognize a true talent in the league and has always lauded Caitlin Clark for her achievements. LeBron has first-hand experience of being a rookie and coming into a demanding league, so it was only obvious for him to stand up now in Caitlin Clark’s defense.

During a recent episode of his “Mind The Game” podcast, the 20-time All-Star said, “Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are gonna happen for the WNBA. But for her individually, I don’t think she should get involved on [anything] that’s being said, just go have fun, enjoy. I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before, I’ve walked that road before. I hope she kills, I hope [Fever teammate] Aliyah Boston does amazing. I hope they do great.”

LeBron went ahead to say that his son Bronny James, who is a hot bet in the 2024 NBA Draft, is facing similar criticism as Indiana’s new addition.

Clark still has plenty of opportunities to showcase her abilities the way she had in her Iowa days. When the Fever faces the LA Sparks on Friday, the budding star will be expected to flash some of her sparks on the hardwood to secure the first win for her team.