Chiney Ogwumike Dubbed Caitlin Clark Most Impactful Athlete of Generation
Chiney Ogwumike has seen a lot when it comes to women's basketball. Ogwumike currently serves as an analyst for ESPN. But before that she spent seven years playing WNBA basketball herself, after starring in college at Stanford. So she knows of what she speaks concerning the game, which is why her latest comments on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark were noteworthy. Chiney told Brandon Cortes of the Awful Announcing podcast that Clark's impact on basketball measures up to anyone, in any sport, in a generation.
“She is the most impactful player that I’ve seen hit the scene, not even just in basketball, but in sports, in a generation.”
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) August 3, 2024
Chiney Ogwumike on Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA (h/t @awfulannouncing) pic.twitter.com/XseOKMJrE9
“She is the most impactful player that I’ve seen hit the scene, not even just in basketball, but in sports, in a generation. For how she moves the needle not only with viewership but with business. And that rising tide lifts all boats...Caitlin Clark is bringing it to new heights, exponential heights, and it's bringing and ushering the moment that we have always been waiting for." Ogwumike went on to explain that players other than CC should be celebrated, both past and present, while recognizing Caitlin has advanced the league's growth at "light speed". Chiney emphasized that she has played against the likes of Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, and Candace Parker, meaning she doesn't throw those words around lightly.
It's hard to dispute what Ogwumike said given all measurable numbers are indeed way up since Clark debuted in the WNBA, as it has become clear to any observer that her impact on the game has been more than simply significant. Ogwumike might use another phrase to describe Caitlin Clark. Generational.
ROBIN LUNDBERG
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!