SUMMARY
- Caitlin Clark is projected to be the No.1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
- The Indiana Fever have the slot to draft Clark, who is just coming off an NCAA Championship run.
Caitlin Clark had an incredible 2023-24 season in the NCAA but it ended quite tragically. The Iowa Hawkeyes were tearing through the NCAA Tournament. Clark managed to lead the Hawkeyes past the LSU Tigers, whom they met in the 2023 NCAA Finals and lost against. However, after that impressive win, the Hawkeyes seemed like they earned a guaranteed title reign. But that wasn’t the case when they took on South Carolina.
The Hawkeyes were fan favorites to win the title and Clark did everything in her power to lead the team. Clark scored 30 points along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists shooting 5-13 from deep. Iowa had a fiery start to the game and also managed to keep the score tight during the second quarter. But a lack of productivity from the bench unit eventually gave the win to the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Caitlin Clark is the projected No.1 overall pick for the Indiana Fever
Before starting the NCAA Tournament, Caitlin Clark made a huge announcement by declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft. This year was her final year in college and Clark did not have COVID eligibility either. After averaging 31.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists, it was only fitting that Clark chased her dream to play in the WNBA. Clark recorded an array of career feats and became the all-time NCAA scoring leader.
The Indiana Fever (1 Televised Game Last Year) Just Announced That 36 Of Their 40 Games Will Be On National TV Next Season Due To Drafting Caitlin Clark https://t.co/PI0kFcpPcV pic.twitter.com/tme7kr9l7c
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 12, 2024
After Clark declared for the draft, she automatically became the projected No.1 overall pick. The Indiana Fever holds the slot to choose the number one overall pick. Despite drafting Aliyah Boston as the No.1 pick last year, they haven’t had the best season. The Fever finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 13-27 record.
Caitlin Clark could also be a great fit for the Los Angeles Sparks
The Fever did not have much of a scoring presence on the roster last season. Boston’s game has mainly revolved around her defense as she led the team in steals and blocks. Kelsey Mitchell was their leading scorer who averaged 18.2 points. Drafting Caitlin Clark would be a perfect fit and will give Indiana more depth. Boston could also focus on utilizing her strengths to the fullest while worrying less about scoring. So, there isn’t any reason why the Fever shouldn’t choose Clark.
Caitlin Clark’s college career was one for the books!
Watch the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader start her professional career on April 15th in the @WNBA draft 🙌pic.twitter.com/Fc31xxm0Jv
— NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2024
But hypothetically if the Fever were to choose someone else over Clark, the likelihood of her being drafted below the second slot is very unlikely. Right now, Cameron Brink is the projected No.2 overall pick to the LA Sparks. They haven’t seen too much success over the years despite having Nneka Ogwumike. Brink could easily bring success based on her versatility alone.
However, Clark could fill up the offensive void on the roster entirely making her a perfect fit for them as well. The Sparks were fourth in the league in defensive rating last season while the Fever ranked 11th. If Clark gets selected by the Sparks, there would be an automatic boost in the team’s overall performance. Clark might be a better fit for the Sparks than the Fever.