Caitlin Clark's long-awaited return to the hardwood would not have gone as smoothly without the ever-growing fan support she was shown throughout her injury crisis.

During an April 22 interview with Anthony Calhoun, Clark thanked fans for supporting her during the months she spent sidelined by injury.

"They're still showing up and screaming and cheering, and that's one because you know obviously they love this team and they love all the players on this team, but two, they don't really care how many points I score, like they just you know hopefully they love me as a person," Clark said.

"Obviously, love me as a player, and even if I'm not out there being able to throw crazy passes or hit a long shot, they can still find a lot of joy in showing up," Clark added.

Clark's sophomore year with the Indiana Fever was cut short due to recurring quad sprains and a groin injury. She played only 13 games and completely missed the playoffs.

Even so, she still did well in those games, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, showing how much she could affect the game even in a smaller sample.

However, CC showed signs of being back to her best last month for Team USA during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Puerto Rico. Clark also notably won the MVP title.

Now that she is completely healthy, Clark has joined her teammates in training camp at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, although she still admits to being conservative about her body.

"Taking care of my body at this point in the season is probably the most important thing, whether that's recovery, whether that's pre-court treatment, whatever it is. I think it's those types of things."

While Clark is yet to feature in a WNBA game since July 15 last year, she still has the fire inside her of knowing she is the best.

Caitlin Clark Calls Herself the Best Transitional Player in the League

Year 3 for CC is all about re-establishing her dominance, and her first order of business was to tell the world her biggest strength.

"I'm the best transition player in the league," Clark said. "That's where I thrive. Everyone knows that's my game. So, getting the ball off a rebound in transition, that's probably when I'm going to be a primary ball handler more than anything."

Her ability to read defensive breakdowns at high speeds makes transition play central to her offensive identity.

The good news is that Kelsey Mitchell and No. 10 overall draft pick Raven Johnson are there to take the load off Clark, at least during the initial weeks after her return.

Clark's role will probably keep changing as she gets better, but her ability to make plays in transition is still a key part of Indiana's offense.

So, do you think we are about to see the best of Caitlin Clark in the upcoming season?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Utsav Gupta