Critic Caitlin Clark Faces Backlash for Her Viral View

If it wasn’t already apparent, Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has come under the national sports spotlight after a criticism of her shooting technique went viral this week.

With a photo of Clark’s hand that was angled to the left and not squarely under the ball, Doug Gottlieb of FOX Sports identified a weakness in Clark’s shooting technique. In the post on X, previously Twitter, on Tuesday, Gottlieb recognized Clark’s scoring skill but tagged Mike Procopio of @HoopConsultants for feedback on Clark’s technique. In the past, Procopio worked as a video scout for the late NBA great Kobe Bryant.

“The amount of effort required to maintain consistency despite her mechanical defect isAs of Thursday, the post had received 10.5 million views this week. It provoked

fervent response from the supporters. Reactions varied from taking direct aim at Gottlieb to providing Clark with more instances of his less-than-ideal shooting forms in defense. Gottlieb addressed some of the criticisms made by fans on the playing mechanics themselves.

Despite scoring 3,951 points in four years to break the NCAA scoring record, Clark’s career two-point and three-point shooting percentages were only 46.2% and 37.7%, respectively. She did, however, continue to shoot 85.8% from the free throw line.

“She’s a fantastic player and scorer, but 37.8% from three isn’t very good. Regarding Clark’s WNBA move, Gottlieb noted, “it will be interesting to see better competition, better scouting, bigger defenders, and more space.”

Two of the biggest contrasts Clark will encounter in her WNBA career are the degree of experience and quickness.

season. Clark has already stated that the game moves at a different pace than training camp.

On April 28, Clark told reporters, “It’s a fast, fast shot clock, but I think all of you know that’s how I like to play.” That fits my game pretty well, I believe. You have to pick things up faster because you have to be done by Friday. The pace is much faster than in college.

The Fever’s preseason opener against the Dallas Wings on Friday will give Clark her first taste of WNBA live action. Diana Taurasi, the star of the Phoenix Mercury and a twenty-year WNBA veteran, believes Clark will go through a transitional phase.

“You’re going to see it, and you see it on the NBA side.”

On April 6, Taurasi said to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, “you’re gonna come with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time. On this side, where you look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds.”

Taurasi continued, “I’m not saying [Clark’s skills] aren’t going to translate because when you’re great at something, you’re just going to get better.” “However, there will be a transitional phase where you must extend yourself some leeway as a novice.”

Concerning Caitlin Clark’s Shooting In contrast to Kevin Durant
A picture of NBA player Kevin Durant was shared by LA Sports Radio to contrast with Clark’s shooting problem, which Gottlieb resolved. Although he possesses the ball in the Durant photo, his hand isn’t exactly straight beneath it.

I turned to the left.

“KD is sort of under the ball in front of his head upon release. Additionally, Gottlieb noted, “This is the reason she finds it difficult to shoot coming off the dribble, just like Lonzo [Ball].