ESPN Analyst Faces Backlash Over Caitlin Clark-MVP Statement
WNBA fans blasted ESPN analyst Elle Duncan over her latest take on Caitlin Clark possibly winning the 2025 MVP award. The Indiana Fever guard is entering her second season surrounded by high expectations after a remarkable rookie season and an entertaining offseason for her team.
During Monday's episode of her "Elle Duncan Show," the analyst discussed Clark's chances to win the 2025 MVP award with co-host Gary Striewski.
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While Striewski said that her 2024 performances should boost Clark's chances, Duncan said voter fatigue would play a role in the guard's having a bigger chance to earn the award.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Duncan said Clark was never a serious threat to A'ja Wilson, but made the conversation interesting after the Fever's post-Olympic break turnaround. She mentioned Napheesa Collier as another possible candidate to win the award before bringing up voter fatigue as a key factor to see a new player win the coveted prize.
"Do I expect A'ja Wilson to be A'ja Wilson again this year? Yes," Duncan said. "But I also know there is such a thing as voter fatigue. They don't like giving anybody MVP three times in a row. They barely like to do it two times in a row. I just don't see it simply because of voter fatigue."
Fans didn't appreciate those words and went off on Duncan and questioned her for bad comments about the soon-to-be second-year player.
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"We're all waiting for the hater fatigue to finally set in at some point," one fan said.
"Why so much hate for CC from Elle? It can't just be the fans, right? I mean, she must have some deep seeded, hidden reasons for hating a player like CC," a second fan said.
"Do these crazies ever listen to themselves?" another fan questioned.
"You just had a unanimous MVP who was being handed the award in June, where's the fatigue part," a fourth fan said.
"Her bitterness and resentment grows every day. At this point, she's just plain embarrassing herself," a fifth fan added.
"Her takes are awful," a sixth fan said.
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Entering the 2025 season, Clark's MVP odds are +240, only trailing Wilson (+200). After an entertaining offseason, the young guard and her team should make a lot of noise in the W.
Related: Caitlin Clark's Hilarious Request During Pacers Game Turns Heads
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