Just when you think ESPN might finally give Caitlin Clark the credit she deserves, Elle Duncan jumps on air and drops one of the wildest MVP takes of the year — and no, it wasn’t about Caitlin at all.

Instead, Duncan completely dismissed Clark’s impact, brushed past her league-altering presence, and threw her MVP consideration out the window… before she’s even played a regular-season game.

“There are real MVPs in this league. Caitlin Clark is just a headline.”

Seriously? That’s the stance we’re taking now?

Let’s Be Clear: This Isn’t About MVP Votes — It’s About a Narrative

Nobody’s saying Clark should win MVP on day one.
But let’s stop pretending she hasn’t:

Broken records in college no man or woman has ever touched.

Sold out arenas across the country.

Single-handedly brought MILLIONS of new fans into the WNBA ecosystem.

And boosted Indiana Fever’s relevance from forgotten franchise to must-watch TV.

And now she’s being treated like an inconvenient distraction by the very media outlets profiting from her name.

The ESPN Bias Is Getting Loud

This isn’t the first time ESPN personalities have taken shots at Caitlin Clark. From backhanded compliments to subtle digs, there’s been a pattern of undermining her while uplifting others — as if the game can only belong to one kind of player.

And now with Duncan’s “she’s not a real MVP candidate” take, the gloves are officially off.

“She’s not even the best rookie in the class.”
Really? Show me another rookie bringing this kind of spotlight to the sport.

What Are We Even Arguing About Here?

Caitlin Clark didn’t ask for this hype.
She earned it.

With elite playmaking, deep range, and the kind of basketball IQ that translates from day one, she’s going to make an impact — and MVP or not, she deserves respect, not resistance.

This whole thing feels less like sports analysis and more like media gatekeeping.
And fans are noticing.

“ESPN is scared she’s taking over the narrative.”
“They want clicks from her name but won’t give her her flowers.”

Fans Aren’t Having It — And Neither Should You

Social media is on fire with backlash to Duncan’s comments.
Clark fans — and even some neutral WNBA supporters — are calling out the clear bias:

 “How are you gonna deny her before she even gets a chance to play?”
 “Caitlin Clark is the reason y’all are even talking about the WNBA like this!”
 “Elle Duncan is way off base here — and it’s not a good look.”

Final Word: Let Her Play, Then Judge

Caitlin Clark doesn’t need an MVP trophy handed to her.
But she also doesn’t deserve to be torn down before she takes her first shot.

What Elle Duncan said wasn’t just a bad take — it was part of a growing media trend that refuses to let Clark’s talent speak for itself.

Let the girl hoop.
Let the fans decide.
And let’s stop pretending that growing the game means shrinking someone else.