Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, highly anticipated as one of the most complete prospects ever to enter the WNBA, is facing scrutiny and criticism ahead of her professional debut. Despite her exceptional skills, Clark's game is being perceived as needing some refinement, as expressed by Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi and Brittany Griner in previous comments.

Following a strong performance in an exhibition win over the Atlanta Dream, where Clark contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides acknowledged that the young star's shooting prowess is not in question. However, Sides emphasized the need for Clark to adapt and make quicker decisions on the court.

Sides addressed Clark's tendency to rely on deep shots and take her time with decision-making. "She's gonna get open looks. She's gotta figure out—I gave her a rule the other day. She's got 0.5 seconds to make a decision," said Sides. The coach highlighted the need for Clark to adjust to a faster pace in the professional league and move away from habits she developed in college.

In her collegiate days, Clark often shouldered the responsibility of carrying her team, averaging an impressive 28.4 points per game throughout her career. However, with the Indiana Fever, the dynamics might be different. Sides expressed her desire to see Clark diversify her game and focus on distributing the ball effectively.

"When she gets off the ball and she hits somebody in the high post, she has a habit of hanging out and dancing," Sides explained, further emphasizing the need to break these college habits. While Clark's shooting performance may not have been her most efficient in the recent exhibition game, Sides highlighted her effective floor game.

As Clark navigates the transition from college basketball to the WNBA, the spotlight on her continues to grow. The expectations surrounding her skill set bring both excitement and challenges. With the guidance of coach Christie Sides, the Indiana Fever remains committed to nurturing Clark's talents and helping her refine her game for a successful rookie season.

As the WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark's progression, eagerly waiting to witness her adaptation to the professional level and see how she rises to the critiques.