Covino & Rich reacted to news that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was voted the 11th-best guard in WNBA All-Star voting by her fellow players, a result that left both hosts questioning what may have driven the ranking. According to the show's discussion, player votes account for 25% of the All-Star selection process, making Clark's placement among her peers particularly noteworthy.
Covino wondered whether the vote was a reflection of "pure envy" or "immaturity," arguing that the disconnect between Clark's popularity and her player ranking continues a trend of resistance toward the league's biggest star. The conversation referenced comments from WNBA legend Candace Parker, who strongly criticized the ranking.
"You got some insecurities if you sitting down and put in Caitlin Clark as the 11th best guard," Parker said. "Y'all need to go to a therapist and figure out what childhood issues you have."
Covino agreed with Parker's assessment, saying the vote "proves everything that we say and speculate week after week when it comes to her" and adding that if anyone wants proof that some players are "against her for all the wrong reasons, it's right there."
Watch the full discussion below
Rich echoed the sentiment, suggesting that Clark's critics may simply be reluctant to give her credit.
"Can it just be that there seems to be a lot of haters, people that just don't want to give her love?" Rich asked, while noting Clark's role in driving attention to the WNBA.
Not everyone on the show completely dismissed the ranking. Iowa Sam, a self-described Clark supporter, pointed out that injuries and inconsistency have impacted her season.
"Sometimes she looks like the 11th best guard in the league," Sam said, noting that Clark has dealt with injury issues and missed significant time.
Rich pushed back by emphasizing Clark's impact on the league as a whole. He argued that the WNBA's growing popularity, increased salaries and heightened visibility have been driven largely by Clark's arrival, while acknowledging contributions from stars such as Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson.
Even if Clark is enduring a difficult stretch on the court, Covino believes that should not affect the respect she receives from her peers.
"She's one of the bigger stars in the league, but they don't treat her or respect her that way at all," Covino said.
For the hosts, the controversy is less about whether Clark is the best player in the WNBA and more about whether her influence on the sport is being properly acknowledged by those competing alongside her.