The Caitlin Clark effect is doing wonders for the WNBA, but the rookie guard is also helping other players be put under the spotlight, more specifically her teammates. Kelsey Mitchell can be named the prime example of that, as she's gotten so much more attention after Clark joined the Indiana Fever.
Speaking on the differences of playing with the No. 1 overall pick, Mitchell said that Clark has brought a lot of new fans to the league, especially the Fever.
"I think the reality of it is that, I don't think people wouldn't know without C² (Caitlin Clark), so shout out to Caitlin, that's just the reality. I think she's done an unbelievable job of bringing her own fans and people who support her. For me, I kind of laugh at it and embrace it at the same time because I always kind of flew under the radar," Mitchell said.
Mitchell added that she's always been an introverted person but has adapted to the new times and is committed to giving fans the best show she can.
"I've always been that person, that player, very conservative, very introverted, so now I get the see the flip side of it. I can laugh about it because I know it comes from a genuine place, but I embrace it from the standpoint of people are not guaranteed to see me play another day... I just hope I do right by and I hope I don't F it up," Mitchell added.
Caitlin Clark has seemingly gotten used to all the attention she's received from her time in college, but this whole experience is seemingly new for Mitchell and probably more players in the Fever's locker room.
Erica Wheeler makes clear statement about relationship with Caitlin Clark
Hours after Sheryl Swoopes claimed that players like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston would be better off playing away from all the attention Clark brings, Erica Wheeler shot down that notion while highlighting Clark's impact on the team.
"All we do is have fun with Caitlin Clark, who never takes anything serious," Wheeler said. "I tell people all the time she's really a kid at heart. And then also, Christie and the coaching staff, they're lighthearted so they'll allow us to have fun."
"But there's moments when we need to be serious and we are serious. But a majority of the time, we're having fun because we kind of understand the outside world was really trying to get inside this building - we just didn't let it. And having fun is a great way to kinda keep that out."
The Caitlin Clark effect appears to be here to stay and her teammates are ready to defend the young guard against anybody.