Former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah believes the Indiana Fever should sign a player who can protect WNBA star Caitlin Clark from excessive physical play. Clark has faced numerous flagrant fouls and questionable hits this season, prompting Noah to advocate for an "enforcer" on the team.
Noah, a former defensive anchor for the Chicago Bulls, has witnessed firsthand the physicality that can accompany stardom. He famously confronted superstar LeBron James on the court and advocated for his teammates to avoid giving him preferential treatment due to his talent.
"I feel like people get mesmerized by that and knowing that he had fans on the court, so that is something that would just frustrate me," Noah said. "So if I saw one of my teammates have that energy toward him, I was the guy to kind of say, ‘You better stop that s--- right now. So that was my role, people thought that I was a hater for it," Noah said.
Joakim Noah: Indiana Fever Needs an 'Enforcer' to Protect Caitlin Clark
Noah believes that Clark's talent and impact on the court have made her a target for opposing players. He acknowledged that her exceptional skill level can sometimes provoke aggressive play from opponents.
"Sometimes I feel like she is getting hit because she is a very talented person," he said. "But at the end of the day, we’re in the business of winning games, so if I’m the owner [of the Indiana Fever], I’m getting a real enforcer in there."
Joakim Noah: Indiana Fever Needs an 'Enforcer' to Protect Caitlin Clark
Many new and longtime WNBA fans have criticized opponents who have targeted Clark with excessive physicality. Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, who struck Clark in the head with her arm during a game in June, has spoken out about the criticism she has received from Clark's fans. Fellow Sky player Diamond DeShields also faced backlash for a flagrant foul against Clark in August.
Despite the negative attention, Noah believes that the physical treatment Clark has received has been a positive for the WNBA.
Joakim Noah: Indiana Fever Needs an 'Enforcer' to Protect Caitlin Clark
"I think it’s great," Noah said. "I think it’s all entertainment."
WNBA broadcaster Holly Rowe echoed Noah's sentiment in an interview with Fox News Digital last month.
Joakim Noah: Indiana Fever Needs an 'Enforcer' to Protect Caitlin Clark
"I think it's good for the game," Rowe said. "I kind of love it because it is supposed to be salty, that's why it's competitive, that's why it's sports."
However, Noah insists that the Fever should still address the issue by signing an enforcer-type player as soon as they can. He believes that such a player could deter opponents from targeting Clark and provide a sense of security for the team's star.
Noah's perspective offers a unique insight into the complexities of physical play in basketball. As someone who has experienced both sides of the spectrum, he understands the delicate balance between competitive intensity and excessive aggression. His recommendation to the Indiana Fever highlights the importance of protecting players while ensuring that the game remains entertaining for fans.
