Even before Caitlin Clark was selected with the first pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, the 23-year-old point guard had already made waves with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
After a stellar first year in the league, earning Rookie of the Year honors and breaking several records along the way, her second year was plagued by injuries that prevented her from continuing to play. However, her legacy in just two years continues to inspire.
Clark defines the future of an NBA player
Injuries to her quadriceps, ankle, and groin led CC to play only 13 games this year, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
Her talent has made her one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA, and her charisma has connected her with other teams and sports, such as the NFL, MLB, and NBA. However, it was recently revealed how her name -or rather her number– changed the course of a Minnesota Timberwolves player‘s life.
On Tuesday, the NBA’s official Instagram page shared a video in which several players recount the story behind the choice of the number they wear on their jerseys. It was there that Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark confessed that he wore number 22 for CC.
“I wore 0 and then when Donte [DiVincenzo] came… I gave the number to him,” he began. “I’m like, ‘I’m close to Iowa and Caitlin Clark,’ so I put 22… Hopefully, I get some jersey sales,” confessed the 24-year-old.
Coming out of UCLA, Jaylen arrived in Minnesota after being selected 53rd overall in the 2023 NBA Draft to bring his signature defensive skills to the team. Not only does he share his last name and number with Caitlin, but also her competitive spirit.
This is a great testament to the impact the two-time All-Star Game has had not only on the court but off it as well, adding more and more fans to the world of the WNBA and achieving record ratings, sponsorships, and attendance.
Now, as she recovers from her injury, Clark is preparing for her third season in the league and with the Indiana Fever, where she will seek to continue to build her name and legacy.
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