​Candace Parker is speaking out in defense of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark after Clark was seemingly snubbed by her peers in the All-Star voting. Although Clark earned a starting spot in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, she did not receive support from many of her fellow players. The final results showed Clark placing 11th in the player voting, and not just among players as a whole but specifically among guards. Even the most ardent Clark critics would struggle to name 10 guards ahead of her. Fortunately, fans and the media stepped in, with Clark finishing second and third in the voting among those two groups, respectively.
In the latest episode of the Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston podcast, Parker described the voting outcome as “crazy” and suggested that those who didn’t acknowledge Clark’s merits “have some insecurities” and “need to go to a therapist.”
Parker didn’t limit her critique to Clark’s results alone. She also took aim at the voting for Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, who finished 12th among guards. Parker asserted, “I wholeheartedly believe there need to be some rules with the WNBA players because this is getting out of hand.” She continued, “Caitlin Clark voted 11th-best guard by WNBA players is crazy. Kelsey Plum finished 12th in player rank but she be percolating all over your defense.” Laughing, Parker added, “I think people need to look at themselves in the mirror and realize you’ve got some insecurities if you’re sitting down and putting Caitlin Clark as the 11th-best guard. Y’all need to go to a therapist and figure out what childhood issues you have.”
As Clark’s career in the league has unfolded, more voices connected to the WNBA should join Parker in speaking up. Clark’s supporters—who contend that she has become a victim of jealousy among players—will view Parker’s comments as a rallying cry. This controversy extends beyond the All-Star voting: Clark has repeatedly faced cheap shots on the court, such as the instance on June 24 when Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas delivered multiple hits to Clark. While Clark is not the only target of rough play, the frequency and intensity of the hits she endures has drawn attention to how the league protects its players.
Many fans attribute the criticism Clark faces to a mix of envy and the attention she has drawn, which has helped bring in new fans to the WNBA. This attention has also coincided with a notable rise in salary and benefits for players, a trend reflected in the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement. Some supporters argue that Clark’s prominence has contributed to greater recognition and financial gains for players, even as she encounters skepticism and scrutiny from within the league. Parker’s outspoken defense aligns with a broader push to reevaluate voting dynamics, protect star players, and ensure that merit, rather than politics or personal bias, guides All-Star selections. Clark’s supporters hope that Parker’s stance signals a turning point where more leaders within the WNBA will advocate for fairness, accountability, and a culture that supports its best players both on and off the court.