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“She is a gift from God for the WNBA” – Peja Stojakovic believes WNBA players owe Caitlin Clark for the league’s growth originally appeared on Basketball Network.
While savior might be too heavy a term to use, it’s hard not to feel that it’s an apt term considering the impact Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has had on the WNBA and women’s basketball over the last two years.
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From her days breaking NCAA men’s and women’s basketball records while playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes to her current stint with the Fever, Clark has influenced hoop fans to tune in to the WNBA in a way that nobody in the league’s long history has been able to do.
With her exceptional shooting, nifty ball handling, precise passing, and affable personality, Clark has captured the hearts and attention of basketball fans worldwide. And it’s not just her skills on the court that draw people in — it’s also her competitive fervor and determination to lift the game to new heights.
Former NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic has recognized the impact of the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” describing her arrival in the WNBA as nothing short of a godsend.
Related: Shaquille O’Neal admits it’s a myth that women line up at hotels to get with NBA players: “I was looking for that, but it never happened”
A gift from God
Stojakovic, a 6’10” retired sharpshooter, knows how it feels to energize an entire league. After all, he was part of those Sacramento Kings teams that featured ball wizard Jason Williams and versatile big men Chris Webber and Vlade Divac, who terrorized opposing teams and enthralled fans in the early 2000s.
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Peja claims he is seeing the same effect from CC, whose presence is helping the WNBA sell out arenas wherever she goes. In fact, several teams had to relocate their home games to larger arenas last season to accommodate the remarkable demand for tickets from fans eager to catch the electrifying guard in action.
“I think she is a gift from God for the WNBA. I know how popular she is and what she created through the media attention she is getting. She pushed the boundaries when it comes to women’s basketball in the US,” Peja, a three-time All-Star, shared.
Rivals should thank CC for helping change the dynamic of women’s hoops
Although the WNBA has enjoyed some modicum of success since its first tip-off in June 1997, it hasn’t seen a dominant force like Clark. In just her second season in the league, the 6-foot playmaker is averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and an astounding 9.3 assists per game — an impressive follow-up to her rookie campaign, wherein she won Rookie of the Year honors along with being named to the All-WNBA First Team.
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Her influence on the women’s pro league has ushered in significant changes, from chartered flights to the promise of salary increases in the coming years. Yet, despite these advancements, some remain unwilling to acknowledge her impact on the game. Some even tried to test her mental fortitude last season by giving her cheap shots.
Peja contended that instead of being jealous of all the attention CC is receiving, these players should just be thankful for her presence.
“There is some jealousy towards her from other players, and that is coming to light. All in all, I think they should look after her and pamper her because she really influenced the growth of women’s basketball in the US through the WNBA,” Stojakovic stressed.
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The WNBA has seen numerous all-time greats grace its courts. From Cynthia Cooper to Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, and Seimone Augustus, countless players have left their mark on the league. But none quite like Caitlin Clark.
Related: “People just won’t pay or tune in to watch Angel rebound against non-Caitlin teams” – Skip Bayless on where Clark leaps over Reese
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
