Candace Parker has never been one to mince words, and when asked about Caitlin Clark’s absence this season, she gave a detailed explanation that cut through the noise and speculation.

The decision for Clark to sit out shocked many fans, especially after her record-shattering rookie year, but Parker’s perspective shed light on why the move may not only have been necessary, but also potentially beneficial for Clark’s career and the WNBA as a whole.

According to Parker, Clark’s choice to sit out wasn’t about abandoning her team or the league but about preserving her long-term health and maximizing her potential. The rookie guard endured a grueling college career that transitioned immediately into the WNBA without much of a break, and Parker noted how the lack of recovery time can wear down even the most talented players.

“People don’t understand what it takes to play at this level, night in and night out,” Parker explained. “Your body needs time to adjust. Caitlin carried college basketball, then came straight into carrying the Fever. That’s not sustainable without consequences.”

One of the key points Parker emphasized was Clark’s groin injury earlier in the year, which lingered longer than expected and became a concern for the Fever’s medical staff. While the injury itself may not have been catastrophic, the risk of reinjury and long-term damage weighed heavily.

Parker drew parallels to her own career, noting times when she pushed through pain only to pay for it later. “Sometimes sitting out a season is the smartest move you can make,” she said. “It’s not quitting — it’s protecting yourself so you can play at the highest level for years, not just now.”

But Parker’s explanation wasn’t only about physical recovery. She pointed out the immense mental toll that Clark has endured since stepping onto the national stage. From the spotlight at Iowa to the media frenzy surrounding her WNBA debut, Clark has carried a burden unlike anything most players have experienced.

Parker noted that the expectations on Clark were far greater than those on most rookies. “She’s not just a player — she’s become the face of the league in less than a year. That’s a lot of weight to put on someone’s shoulders. Taking time away can help reset mentally as much as physically.”

There’s also a business angle to the decision, and Parker was unafraid to acknowledge it. Sitting out this season allows Clark to focus on her endorsements, brand building, and long-term financial opportunities without risking an injury that could derail her career.

Some critics see that as selfish, but Parker argued it’s a smart and forward-thinking move. “LeBron, Kobe, even Michael — all of them understood that your career isn’t just about what you do on the court. Caitlin has to think about the bigger picture. And sometimes that means making unpopular decisions.”

Of course, Parker acknowledged the disappointment fans feel in not seeing Clark on the floor. The Fever, despite flashes of growth, missed her presence badly this season. Ticket sales dipped, television ratings dropped, and the energy around the team wasn’t the same.

But Parker pushed back on the idea that Clark somehow owes it to fans to risk her health for entertainment. “She doesn’t owe anyone her body,” Parker stated firmly. “Her responsibility is to herself first. If she’s not 100 percent, she’s not helping her team anyway. The best way she can give back to the league is by coming back healthy and dominating for the next decade.”

What’s especially interesting about Parker’s comments is how they reframed the narrative around Clark’s decision. Instead of focusing on absence and controversy, she highlighted longevity, strategy, and self-care. It’s the kind of veteran wisdom that younger athletes — and the league itself — need to hear. Parker’s words may not silence all critics, but they offer context that could shift public perception.

Looking ahead, Parker suggested that Clark’s return next season could have even bigger implications for the league. By sitting out now, she avoids compounding injuries and burnout, setting herself up for a stronger and more consistent comeback.

And in Parker’s eyes, that could be exactly what the WNBA needs. “Sometimes the story isn’t about the season you miss,” she said. “It’s about the story you write when you come back. And Caitlin’s comeback could be the biggest moment this league has ever seen.”

In the end, Parker’s explanation painted a picture of maturity and foresight from Clark’s camp. While many saw her absence as a negative, Parker reframed it as an investment in the future. For the Fever, it means waiting another year to see their superstar fully unleashed.

For Clark, it could mean extending her prime by several seasons. And for the WNBA, it may ultimately mean having its brightest star shining longer and stronger than anyone expected.