Former college basketball player and analyst Doug Gottlieb has found himself in the spotlight once again after revisiting his critique of WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s shooting mechanics. Last spring, Gottlieb claimed Clark had a “flaw” in her shot that needed to be corrected for her to thrive in the WNBA. Despite his critique, Clark had an exceptional rookie season with the Indiana Fever, averaging 19.2 points per game and shooting 34.4% from beyond the arc, earning her the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year title.
In a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Gottlieb asserted that Clark has since adjusted her shooting form, implying that his earlier criticism may have played a role in her improvement. “Take a snapshot of (her form) now…take a snapshot of last year when she was heading into the WNBA, she’s changed and fixed her shot,” Gottlieb said. However, this claim has drawn sharp criticism from fans and analysts, many of whom highlighted Clark’s long-standing excellence, both as a collegiate player and in her transition to professional basketball.
Dan Patrick humorously interjected during Gottlieb’s lengthy explanation, asking, “Has she thanked you yet?” to which Gottlieb admitted she had not. The conversation then veered into personal anecdotes, including Gottlieb’s connection to Clark’s boyfriend’s father, Fran McCaffery, who once recruited Gottlieb to Notre Dame. To further stir the pot, Gottlieb also threw in a jab at NBA star LeBron James, calling him “insecure.”
She “fixed” her game alright
Clark, widely celebrated for her record-breaking college career, has consistently proven her critics wrong. In her first WNBA season, she boasted an impressive 90.6% free throw percentage, far exceeding Gottlieb’s college shooting percentage of 45.7%. Her accomplishments on the court speak for themselves, and many fans have criticized Gottlieb for attempting to attribute her success to his past critique.
The discourse reflects broader challenges faced by female athletes, who often contend with unwarranted scrutiny and attempts to diminish their achievements. Clark’s ability to stay focused and deliver exceptional performances underscores her resilience and commitment to the game.
As the debate continues, Clark remains a towering figure in women’s basketball, and her stellar rookie season has solidified her place among the sport’s brightest stars. Meanwhile, Gottlieb’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing narratives that shape the public perception of athletes’ success and the importance of celebrating talent on its own merits.
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