The controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark continues to grow within the WNBA as the star player returned to action after a lengthy absence. This time, women’s basketball legend Candace Parker strongly questioned the way league players voted for the Indiana Fever star ahead of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game.

Although Clark was selected as a starter after finishing second among guards in fan voting and third in the media vote, the players’ ballot drew significant attention: the young superstar was ranked only as the 11th-best guard in the WNBA by her fellow players.

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For Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, seven-time All-Star, and recent Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, the result was difficult to understand.

“I wholeheartedly believe that there need to be some rules with the WNBA players because this is getting out of hand,” Parker said on the latest episode of her “Post Moves” podcast with Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston. “Caitlin Clark voted 11th-best guard by WNBA players? That’s crazy.”

Candace Parker questions players’ objectivity

The WNBA All-Star Game selection process combines three factors: 50% fan voting, 25% media voting, and 25% player voting. Strong support from fans and the media helped Clark secure a starting spot, but the gap between those results and the players’ perception sparked debate.

Parker argued that players must put aside personal rivalries when recognizing the talent and accomplishments of other stars around the league.

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“When I sat down, as much as I did not like Diana Taurasi, there ain’t no way I’m not going to write her as an All-Star,” Parker said. “As much as I did not like anyone on the Lynx because they used to whoop our a**, I’m not going to not put Maya Moore or Sylvia Fowles.”

The former player was even more direct when discussing Clark’s position in the voting.

“I think people need to look at themselves in the mirror and realize, like, man, you’ve got some insecurities if you’re sitting down and putting Caitlin Clark as the 11th-best guard,” she said.

Caitlin Clark’s numbers support her All-Star case

Beyond the controversy, Clark’s statistics support her argument as one of the league’s top players this season.

The Indiana Fever star is averaging 21.2 points and 8.2 assists per game, numbers that place her among the WNBA leaders in scoring and playmaking.

She has also been a key piece in helping the Fever compete near the top of the Eastern Conference, although her impact has also been accompanied by criticism regarding turnovers, defense, and the enormous media spotlight surrounding her.

All-Star voting process raises questions

The selection process itself has also faced scrutiny. Reports indicate that fewer than half of WNBA players participated in the vote, while allowing players to vote for teammates creates the possibility that personal relationships, rivalries, or locker-room dynamics could influence the results.

Still, no result generated as much reaction as Clark’s 11th-place finish among guards.

The Indiana Fever star ultimately earned a spot in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game starting lineup, but Candace Parker made her conclusion clear: in her view, the players’ vote said more about those casting ballots than it did about Caitlin Clark herself.