​Caitlin Clark’s place in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game was never in doubt, with the Indiana Fever sensation earning a starting spot thanks to overwhelming fan support and strong backing from media members. What has sparked conversation is how she was viewed by her fellow players. Despite ranking among the league leaders in both scoring and assists, Clark finished just 11th among guards in the player voting for the All-Star Game. The surprising result has ignited another round of debate about how the Fever star is perceived around the league, with former All-Star Stacey Dales joining others in criticizing the outcome.
On ESPN’s First Take, Dales didn’t hold back when discussing Clark’s placement in the player vote. “You see 11th with Caitlin Clark, and it is insulting,” she said. “It is preposterous to consider she would be even deemed worthy of or unworthy of being in a conversation of the 11th best guard in the WNBA. And frankly, to further the discourse, to consider the fact that some believe that she’s not even worthy of being in the top four or being a starter amongst these All-Star players is, to me, foolishness.” Clark ultimately secured a starting spot after finishing second among fans and third in media voting, but the player vote stood in stark contrast.
Clark has continued to back up her All-Star selection with another standout season. Through 16 games, she is averaging 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game, ranking fifth in the league in scoring and second in assists. Those numbers made her player-vote finish even more perplexing for Dales to interpret.
Dales questioned whether some players truly appreciate what Clark brings to the floor every night. “Caitlin Clark is exceptional. She is extraordinary. She is elite. She is incredibly difficult to defend. She plays on extraordinary angles, both with and without the basketball,” Dales stated. While acknowledging there is context behind the voting, she noted that only about 85 players submitted ballots out of roughly 180 in the league, meaning the results do not necessarily reflect the opinions of every player. Still, she believes Clark’s finish outside the top 10 among guards doesn’t align with her production or influence on the court.
The conversation isn’t limited to Dales. Hall of Fame forward Candace Parker recently criticized the player vote on her podcast, suggesting Clark’s ranking may have been influenced more by personal feelings than by basketball performance. Parker’s remarks added to a broader debate about how All-Star selections are determined and whether the process adequately captures the impact a player like Clark has on the court. As Clark continues to excel, fans and analysts alike will likely revisit these votes and the conversations surrounding them, weighing fan enthusiasm and media assessment against the opinions of players across the league.