A seemingly well-intentioned interview featuring Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard has ignited a firestorm of backlash on social media, with critics accusing the veteran of subtly undermining her teammate and WNBA sensation, Caitlin Clark.
The comments, made during a June 23rd interview with WNBA legend Sue Bird, have since gone viral and sparked heated debate online. At the heart of the controversy is Howard’s attempt to frame her mentorship of Clark—a rookie thrust into the spotlight with record-breaking expectations—as a relationship akin to that of an older sister guiding her younger sibling.
“She reminds me of a little sister,” Howard said, describing her first impressions of Clark. “Like she’s only 22 years old. She reminds me of a little sister that I can put under my wing… let her know she’s not alone with this. I got your back no matter what.”
While Howard’s tone throughout the interview was warm and reflective, her remarks quickly veered into dangerous territory in the eyes of many fans.
“You don’t have to do everything,” Howard continued, speaking as if to Clark. “Let us… give us some of your pressure too so you don’t have to do too much and overwork yourself.”
These comments, though seemingly intended to be supportive, were widely interpreted as condescending by some fans, particularly those who view Clark as the transformative face of the league. Critics argue that Howard’s remarks suggested that Clark is overextending herself or not trusting her teammates enough, subtly shifting the burden of the Fever’s inconsistent performance back onto the rookie’s shoulders.
On X (formerly Twitter), the reaction was swift and divisive. One user wrote, “That’s nice to say but we haven’t seen that yet,” in response to Howard’s assertion that the team has what it takes to support Clark. Others were more blunt, accusing Howard of downplaying Clark’s significance to the Fever’s game strategy.
But supporters of Howard see it differently. Many fans defended her tone and message, arguing that her veteran perspective is precisely what a young, spotlight-heavy player like Clark needs. “She’s trying to support Clark, not criticize her,” one comment read. “She’s offering to share the weight, not shade her.”
Context also matters. The Indiana Fever have been battling both injuries and inconsistent team chemistry all season. Currently sitting with a 6–7 record as of the interview date, the Fever have had to navigate a new coaching staff, shifting rosters, and mounting pressure—both internal and external.
“We’re still learning each other,” Howard explained. “A lot of players never played with each other before. It’s our first time playing together.”
She added, “We’re scratching the surface. We’re still climbing.”
The viral spread of Howard’s interview may be emblematic of a broader cultural moment in the WNBA—one that is navigating unprecedented media scrutiny, in large part due to Clark’s arrival. As the most recognizable face of women’s college basketball in years, Clark has carried enormous expectations into her rookie season. While she has produced strong individual performances, the team’s performance remains a work in progress.
Compounding the moment is the recent news surrounding fellow veteran DeWanna Bonner, whose reported departure from the team has only intensified speculation about the Fever’s locker room dynamics and leadership structure. Although not directly mentioned during Howard’s interview, her reflective tone and the timestamping of the recording by Bird—“Today is June 23rd”—led some fans to speculate whether players already knew about deeper organizational issues.
Ironically, even as Howard’s comments stirred controversy, another player was singing Clark’s praises from a completely different platform. Top NBA prospect Cooper Flagg, in an unrelated interview, named Clark as one of his Mount Rushmore figures in women’s basketball—alongside legends Candace Parker, Brittney Griner, and A’ja Wilson.
“She’s changed the game so much,” Flagg said. “I just love what she’s been able to do.”
The stark contrast between Howard’s perceived critique and Flagg’s unqualified admiration speaks to the complicated space Clark occupies in today’s sports discourse. She is both a rookie and a star, an underdog and a target, a team player and a media focal point.
Still, amid all the noise, Howard’s message may ultimately prove to be one of empathy rather than judgment. If taken in full, her remarks portray a team trying to come together under immense scrutiny—and a veteran player attempting to show support for a teammate thrust into the center of it all.
As the Fever continue to chase consistency on the court, the real test may be whether their off-court unity can survive the mounting media pressure. Whether Howard’s words will ultimately be seen as divisive or supportive depends largely on the narrative fans choose to embrace.
One thing’s for sure: in today’s WNBA, every word counts.
