Kate Scott used Nikola Jokic to make a point Caitlin Clark critics keep missing

Caitlin Clark’s turnovers have become such a talking point that Kate Scott was right to urge people to relax.

The criticism is not without basis. Clark is averaging 9.0 assists and 5.0 turnovers, and those mistakes are happening too often to ignore.

But the reaction has gone overboard. Scott’s comparison to Nikola Jokic and Cade Cunningham was a reminder that high-level playmakers often turn the ball over more because of the roles they play.

Kate Scott addressed the Caitlin Clark issue critics keep overlooking

Scott noted that some people are always looking for flaws with Clark, then pointed out that high-assist players in another league also give the ball away. That was not an excuse. It was context.

Clark has 36 assists and 20 turnovers through four games. That is the full picture, not just the number critics like to isolate.

“We all read the comments, right? We see that some folks have a problem with how much Caitlin turns the ball over, they’re always looking for something. So I looked things up, just compared to the MNBA leaders in assists. Nikola Jokic, about 10 assists per game, four turnovers a game. Cade Cunningham, about nine-and-a-half assists per game, four turnovers a game himself. So calm down, everybody.”

The turnovers are real, but so is the playmaking load. Players who are asked to stretch defences, anticipate plays early and attempt risky passes will always have more turnovers than those who play it safe.

Caitlin Clark’s turnovers matter, but there is no need to panic

That is why the Nikola Jokic and Cade Cunningham comparison holds up. They are not careless players. Their turnover numbers come with the territory of being high-volume creators.

Indiana’s 2-2 start is not cause for alarm either. It is a sign they need to tidy up their play, improve timing and understand the demands being placed on Clark.

Clark is still the focal point of Indiana’s offence, which naturally makes her turnovers more noticeable, but also explains why she has the ball so much.

Scott’s point is not about excusing the turnovers. It is about adding perspective. Clark does need to cut down on mistakes, but ignoring the context of her playmaking load misses the bigger picture.

The sensible view is this: the turnovers are an issue to address, but not a reason to panic.

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