Caitlin Clark shares honest take on rookie after Fever loss

“The WNBA is a completely different style than what you play in college,” Clark said postgame. “Coach expects us to help younger players, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

It wasn’t framed as criticism. It was perspective. Johnson arrived with a strong résumé as a two-time national champion at South Carolina, which played a major role in Indiana selecting her with the No. 10 pick in the 2026 draft. But the transition to the pro level, especially at point guard, comes with a different kind of responsibility.

Clark knows that better than anyone.

Caitlin Clark’s message is simple but telling

Rather than overloading Johnson with technical advice, Clark kept her message direct. Ask questions. Stay curious. Keep learning. It sounds basic, but it reflects how Clark approaches her own development. Even as one of the faces of the league, she made it clear she’s still figuring things out in real time.

“I still ask questions every single day,” Clark said. “Trying to be that for Raven and the rest of the new people on this team.”

That mentorship piece matters more than it might seem on the surface. The Fever aren’t just building around star power. They’re trying to establish a system where young players can grow quickly without being overwhelmed. Johnson’s willingness to engage in that process has already stood out.

“She asks a lot of really great questions,” Clark added. “As a point guard, it’s a whole other load to carry.”

More: Cameron Brink’s throwback look grabs attention as Sparks hope for healthy reset

Why this matters for Indiana moving forward

For Indiana, this isn’t just about one preseason game. It’s about building depth behind Clark and creating stability at the guard position. Johnson’s early reps, especially in situations where she’s forced into a lead role, are part of that long-term equation.

There will be uneven moments. That’s expected. But if Thursday showed anything, it’s that the foundation is there. Johnson looks comfortable enough to run the offense in stretches, and with Clark guiding the process, the learning curve could speed up.

The Fever wrap up preseason play Saturday against the Nigeria Women’s National Team before turning their attention to the regular season.

And if Clark’s comments are any indication, Johnson’s development is going to be one of the more important storylines to watch early on.

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• Fever’s Caitlin Clark shares message that speaks to bond with Stephanie White
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