Controversy Surrounds Caitlin Clark’s MVP Vote Exclusion

Caitlin Clark achieved a significant milestone by receiving a first-place vote for WNBA MVP due to her unprecedented season. However, the controversy emerges as 19 voters did not include her on their ballots at all.

The WNBA recently announced A’ja Wilson as the MVP for the fifth time, securing 65 of the 74 first-place votes from sportswriters and broadcasters. Olivia Miles from Minnesota came in second, while Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark followed.

Caitlin Clark’s Remarkable Season

Clark appeared on 55 ballots, with one first-place vote, six second-place votes, 20 third-place votes, 16 fourth-place votes, and 12 fifth-place votes. She garnered 212 points, trailing Miles’ 442 and Mitchell’s 287.

Clark’s season was outstanding—she averaged 22.3 points and 8.3 assists per game, marking the first time a WNBA player averaged over 20 points and eight assists. Her contribution resulted in 41.2 points per game when including assists, setting a league record.

The debate rests on whether Mitchell benefited more from Clark than the reverse, given Mitchell’s scoring increase since Clark joined the Indiana Fever. In contrast, Clark had five games with at least 30 points and 10 assists, whereas the entire WNBA history combined records only four instances.

Clark’s highlight came against Seattle on July 17, where she scored 45 points with 10 assists, accomplishing the first 40-point, 10-assist game in WNBA history.

Team Success and Voter Responses

Indiana’s league-high 96 points per game performance underscores Clark’s dual role in scoring and playmaking. Despite this, some voters scrutinized Clark’s contributions differently.

Olivia Miles’ 19.8 points and six assists contributed to Minnesota’s best record, but some noted that Minnesota had led the league before her entry. Meanwhile, Mitchell broke records with 1,086 points, but Clark’s role in creating scoring opportunities for Mitchell can’t be overlooked.

A’ja Wilson’s impressive stats, with 26.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, supported her MVP win, but failing to place Clark in the top five prompts questions.

Media’s Role in the MVP Voting Controversy

Sportswriters and broadcasters determine the award, and the way some cover Clark warrants skepticism. Clark is often portrayed with a need to explain her popularity, with commentators like Cari Champion critiquing her on-court demeanor.

Nancy Armour expressed that Clark’s reactions endangered other players, and Charlotte Wilder demanded stronger advocacy from Clark on racial issues, though Clark had addressed these publicly.

Such coverage might influence media judgment, raising scrutiny when Clark was excluded from several ballots.

Assessing Fairness in MVP Voting

Clark’s record doesn’t guarantee an MVP win, but ignoring her playmaking prowess is questionable. Defense, turnovers, scoring, and team records factor into MVP voting, and reasonable minds may differ on these aspects.

The decision by 19 voters to exclude her doesn’t imply bias, yet it invites scrutiny. A public explanation from them on their choices would clarify the reasoning behind this decision.