The Basketball Hall of Fame may have taken a playful jab at basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes through the strategic placement of a Caitlin Clark stand.
This season, one of the more intriguing narratives in the WNBA has been the perceived tension between Swoopes and Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. Swoopes, a four-time WNBA champion and three-time MVP, has made several public remarks that have been interpreted as dismissive of Clark’s accomplishments. These include inaccurate comments about Clark’s NCAA scoring record and insinuations about locker room issues within the Fever that some have speculated stem from Clark’s presence.
Despite the criticism, Swoopes’ legacy on the court remains unquestionable. With six WNBA All-Star appearances, three Olympic gold medals, and inductions into both the Naismith and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, she’s cemented her place among the sport’s greats. However, the Basketball Hall of Fame seems to have had a little fun with the ongoing Swoopes-Clark saga.
On Sunday, Indiana Fever beat reporter Scott Agness posted a photo on social media from the Hall of Fame, showing a stand displaying Clark’s height. What caught attention was that the banner directly above Clark’s display was none other than Swoopes’ own.
“Walking around the Basketball HOF and Caitlin Clark is already featured. Just a 22-year-old rookie. Not bad. Also, bonus points for whose banner she is below…” Agness wrote.
Walking around the Basketball HOF and Caitlin Clark is already featured. Just a 22-year-old rookie. Not bad.
Also, bonus points for whose banner she is below… pic.twitter.com/W6Tf2aEDh5
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) October 13, 2024
Whether this placement was intentional or just a coincidence remains unknown, but it certainly generated some laughs and conversation among those familiar with the ongoing tension. The subtle setup added a humorous twist to the story of Clark’s rise and Swoopes’ reluctance to fully acknowledge her success. Either way, it’s clear that Clark is already leaving a mark—both on the court and in the Hall of Fame.
