4 WNBA players are considered bigger trash-talkers than Caitlin Clark

A viral interaction between Caitlin Clark and Jacy Sheldon highlighted Clark's reputation as a talkative WNBA player, positioning her as a potential successor to legendary trash-talker Diana Taurasi. However, an anonymous WNBA player poll by The Athletic revealed that Clark has not yet claimed the title of the league's foremost trash-talker.

The poll of 33 players identified Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas as the top trash-talker, receiving 13 votes. She was followed by Minnesota's Courtney Williams (5 votes), Connecticut's Marina Mabrey (4 votes), and Seattle's Skylar Diggins-Smith (2 votes). Clark and Indiana Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham each received only one vote.

Players described Thomas's aggressive style, with one noting, "Everyone knows AT talks s—. I don’t even guard her, and she talks s— to me." Another called her approach "psycho stuff," emphasizing how she smiles while trash-talking. Thomas, nicknamed "The Engine," leads the WNBA in total assists (142) and assists per game (9.5) this season.

Thomas's performance has propelled Phoenix to a 14-6 record, making her a strong MVP candidate. While Clark shows emerging trash-talking prowess, the poll suggests the two-time All-Star must further develop this skill to reach Thomas's level in future seasons.