Taurasi calls new WNBA fans 'sensitive' over response to Clark comments

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi issued a response to those who took issue with her comments about Caitlin Clark's transition to the WNBA.

Taurasi drew some ire from fans earlier in April after stating that "reality is coming" for Clark and that she and other WNBA rookies should expect to face a learning curve at the professional level.

"Not saying that it's not going to translate, 'cause when you're great at what you do, you're just gonna get better. But there is gonna be a transition period where you're gonna have to give yourself some grace as a rookie and it might take a little bit longer for some people," Taurasi told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt during an alternate broadcast of the women's Final Four matchup between Iowa and UConn.

Taurasi stood by her comments Sunday, reiterating that while there will be a transition period for Clark, her "greatness" will still translate at the WNBA level.

"It's the new fans, they're really sensitive these days. You can't say anything," Taurasi told reporters, including The Arizona Republic's Dana Scott. "It's kind of like when you go from kindergarten to first grade, there's a learning adjustment. Then you go from high school to college, there's a learning adjustment. I don't think I said anything that wasn't factually correct.

"Like anything, greatness is gonna translate, and she's proven that in every level. And I don't see it being any different in the WNBA."

Taurasi will face Clark and the Indiana Fever three times this season, with their first matchup scheduled for June 30.