NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley isn't holding back when it comes to how the WNBA has handled Caitlyn Clark's emergence as the face of women's basketball in a recent appearance on the ringer Bill Simmons podcast Barkley expressed his frustration claiming that the WNBA has missed a golden opportunity to fully capitalize on Clark's Rising stardom these ladies and I am a WNBA fan they cannot have F K this Caitlyn Clark thing up any worse if they tried Barkley said his frustration stems from the lack of unified support behind Clark who has garnered unprecedented attention for the WNBA after her Sensational college career at IA and her current rookie season with the Indiana fever. Barkley's main gripe is the pettiness and jealousy that seems to have followed Clark into the WNBA despite bringing massive attention to the league Clark has been the subject of hard fouls and apparent resentment from some of the League's veterans a notable incident occurred when Chicago Sky chandi Carter shoved Clark during a game a moment that many felt highlighted the tension surrounding the young Stars meteoric rise additionally WNBA Legend Cheryl swoops has publicly questioned Clark's abilities sparking a media Feud involving ESPN Steven as Smith the criticism Clark has faced despite her impressive oncourt performances has baffled Barkley who praised her ability to remain silent amid the drama and focus on her game point1 key issue fueling the tension has been the Rookie of the Year debate with Clark and Angel reee another outstanding rookie for the Chicago Sky being the primary contender ERS Reese has shattered double double records and the media discourse has often framed their rivalry in a negative light further stoking divisions within the league despite the negativity Clark has continued to thrive after a Rocky 1 to8 start to the season she has led the Indiana Fever to a playoff birth with the team currently sitting at 17 to6 Clark's post Olympic break performances have been particularly remarkable averaging 24.8 points and nine assists per game while showcasing a faster more fluid style of play Barkley ever the outspoken critic pointed out how Clark's game has evolved she's playing much faster now she was too slow earlier in the season but she's learning to trust her teammates he compared her ability to play without the ball to NBA legend Jason kid further highlighting her growth and maturity for Barkley the situation is simple the WNBA has allowed pettiness to overshadow the extraordinary Talent of Caitlyn Clark with her continued rise he believes the league must do better to embrace and support her is the future of women's basketball