New York Liberty guard fits the profile of Caitlin Clark's long-term nemesis much better than , who many people have against the rookie dating back to their college basketball days despite them playing different positions. Ionescu and are highly competitive 3-point assassins who entered the already on a public pedestal. They're battling for a spot on the Olympic basketball roster this year.
There's a universe, then, where they try to crush each other at every opportunity. Yet Ionescu seems eager to bond with Clark, . Ionescu would embrace a mentorship role, and she believes there's enough room at the table for two world-class point guards to thrive commercially.
Bitter rivalries can be fun. Often, personal vendettas bring eyeballs to basketball games. Fierce competition can also inspire players to reach new on-court heights.
But Ionescu joining forces with Clark in the practice gym would be mutually beneficial. Clark needs a veteran ally in her corner who can provide essential lessons on and adjusting to WNBA defensive schemes. Ionescu, once seen by some fans as the future face of the WNBA, is demonstrating humility by making peace with Clark's sky-high popularity.
And if she contributes to Clark's rise rather than undermine the newcomer, she'll likely bolster her own legacy. Kindness never goes out of fashion. "[Ionescu] has spoken with Caitlin, and actually, Sabrina told me that during the season, it's a little hard because they're playing against each other," reported on a.
