While legendary college basketball announcer Dick Vitale is a big fan of Caitlin Clark and even recently expressed belief that the Indiana Fever star will be a legitimate contender for MVP, he acknowledged that she is well behind one WNBA superstar: A'ja Wilson.
Clark is averaging 21.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game this season. She's third in the league in scoring and second in assists. With the three-time All-star leading the way, the Fever boast a 21-12 record, good for fifth in the WNBA standings.
Unfortunately for Clark, despite her production, Wilson remains the heavy favorite to win the MVP award. Odds have her at -600 to win, which is not surprising given her elite production.
Wilson leads the WNBA in scoring (25.9 points) and blocks (2.1) and is third in rebounds (9.7). The Aces are also thriving with her at the helm, currently sitting third in the WNBA with a 24-11 record.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
That said, Vitale shared on social media that Clark would have been a true MVP contender had it not been for Wilson.
"If it weren't for the great multiple talents of A'ja Wilson of @LVAces @CaitlinClark22 would be a legit contender for @WNBA MVP - Caitlin is having a terrific year," Vitale wrote.
It will certainly be difficult for Clark to surpass Wilson in the MVP race, but if she's able to propel the Fever to a higher spot in the WNBA standings, she could sway some votes in her favor.
Furthermore, it will be important for Clark to step up in the Fever's upcoming games against the Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx, all of which are playoff contenders. Establishing herself as a key threat against these teams should strengthen her case as a top-three player in the WNBA.
