Kate Linklark critic labeled “big dummy” by basketball legend

With the Indiana Feverstar prowess being spoken consistently throughout the summer, the appearance of Kate Linklark as one of the best WNBA players in the league during his rookie season has been subject to much scrutiny.

Clark's race, and even sexuality, has been nurtured as a topic throughout the 2024 season, and it appears this season is once again outlined by experts. However, basketball legend Sheryl Miller appears to have finished with these topics.

For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here

Miller appeared on Stephen Jackson and Matt Burns' All the Smoke podcast this month, pushing back the “Big Dummy,” which had made Clark's race an issue.

“Because you need to be honest,” she said. “I could relate to that young woman and felt for her. I know what it's like to hate. I'm a black woman and I know what it's like to be hated for my colour. I can't imagine this young woman.

“She's cocky for good reason, so I brought a bit of it to myself. And I love it about her. But to see the dynamics and the media, they had a story, and I was happy and proud that the story wasn't true.

Miller praised Clark and Angel Reese, who may have had the hostility they may have sided with to play well on the floor together for the 2024 All-Star Game.

“I didn't know how talented she was, and how well she looked at the game in the thinker, a 3D version. Defensively, she was far better than I thought, and I gave her credit,” added Miller. “So I just spent a little time looking at her…and one of the people I've learned is to take a step back and make these kids into themselves.”

Team WNBA Guard Kate Rinklark is standing with U.S. Women's National Team manager Sheryl Miller during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game held at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas-Usa Today Sports)

WNBA star Cameron Brink “equas out” with the idea of ​​male athletes who could practice at Sparks

Miller suggested that she was surprised when critics didn't recognize the impact Clark had on the game in a short time.

“Is she hyped, 'Come on you for a big dummy!” She was in the backyard. “I can't blame her for what she was given. As much as she was given, you can't say that she waving another way she couldn't stand the hype. Come on, people are still waiting for her to fall.”

Clark was named Time Magazine Athlete of the Year, and even that award frilled the feathers of the league.

Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson told CNN that the magazine should award the award to the WNBA as a whole.

“Why couldn't they put the WNBA on its cover and say, 'WNBA is League of the Year.' “When you select one player, it creates difficult emotions, so now I'm starting to hear racism within the WNBA. I don't want to hear that.”

WNBA All-Star coach Sheryl Miller playfully slaps guard Kate Linklark in the back of the head on July 19, 2024 at Phoenix's Footprint Center. (Patrick Breen / The Republic / USA Today Network)

Fever was reloaded in the offseason with a very different team that was on the floor last year. Starting from the bench, Stephanie White took over Christie Side as head coach. The team also added Dewanna Bonner, Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham to the roster.

Click here to get the Fox News app

Indiana will be holding 41 nationally aired games this season.

Follow Fox News Digital's Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.