Caitlin Clark Had Two Words Before Taking WNBA Veteran’s Roster Spot

Caitlin Clark Had Two Words Before Taking WNBA Veteran’s Roster Spot originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Caitlin Clark’s rise in the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular, dominating headlines and living up to the hype in just about every way imaginable. But behind every breakout star, there are always a few key figures who helped pave the way. 

For Clark, one of the earliest and most important influences was none other than WNBA veteran Erica Wheeler. Long before Clark was taking over games and filling arenas, Wheeler played a crucial role in her journey. When the time finally came for Clark to officially step into the league and even take Wheeler’s roster spot, the 23-year-old had just two simple words for the Seattle Storm guard.

Christine Brennan, who wrote a book about Clark, shared a deeper look into the relationship between the reigning Rookie of the Year and Wheeler in a recent interview with Robin Lundberg, revealing how it blossomed into a deeper friendship. She said, “Erica Wheeler is leaping for joy, and that exact second, she has lost her starting job. And then, Caitlin looked at her and said, ‘Help me.’ She says ‘I will help her, I will be that friend’.”

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However, that relationship ended after just one year when Wheeler decided to leave for fresher pastures. After spending most of last year on the bench as Caitlin Clark’s backup in the Indiana Fever, the 34-year-old has reinvented herself in Seattle. 

She’s averaging 11 points, 3.7 assists and a career-high 3.2 rebounds while shooting 40.8% from the field. Just this week, she dropped 12 points, 1 rebound and six assists against the Mystics.

Wheeler’s energy and leadership have made her a fan favorite, and her resurgence proves she’s far from done. From going undrafted to becoming an All-Star MVP, her journey’s been anything but easy. Nevertheless, she is now thriving, reminding everyone she’s still a difference-maker.

Related: A $2,300 Outfit From Caitlin Clark Is Turning Heads

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.