WATCH: Caitlin Clark catches up with former NBA champion as Pacers brings two greats together

By Miguel de Guzman

Modified Apr 27, 2024 18:34 GMT

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The WNBA's number one overall draft pick, Caitlin Clark, is taking the time to acclimate to a new environment. The newest member of the Indiana Fever made sure to come and show support for her NBA counterparts when she showed up to the Pacers' game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Before the game started, Clark got the chance to meet a Pacers legend. Metta Sandiford-Artest, or Metta World Peace (Ron Artest when he was with the Pacers), was also in attendance and he and Caitlin Clark got the chance to catch up just before tip-off.

The encounter was filmed and was later posted by the Pacers' official account on X, formerly known as Twitter. Watch as the two talented hoopers got the chance to speak before the Pacers-Bucks game.

Artest was traded by the Chicago Bulls to the Indiana Pacers during the 2001–02 season. During his time with the Pacers, Artest earned the first and only All-Star selection of his NBA career (2004. That same year, he was also given the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award.

He would be the last perimeter player to win the award before Kawhi Leonard won it in back-to-back years (2015–2016).

Artest never won a title with the Pacers and his stint with the team ended in controversy. Fast forward to 2010 and Artest would find himself playing alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in the NBA Finals, where they beat the Boston Celtics for Artest's only NBA title.

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When is Caitlin Clark's professional debut?

If you're excited to see Caitlin Clark suit up for the Indiana Fever this coming 2024 season and can't wait for her first game, then you don't have to wait for too long.

The Indiana Fever will travel to Texas to face the Dallas Wings in the preseason on May 3. Fans will be able to see their new star play in her first home game against the Atlanta Dream on May 10 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

After these two preseason games, it's on to the regular season. The WNBA season officially begins on May 14 and the Fever will play a road game against the Connecticut Sun.

Clark's first home game of the regular season will be on May 16, when the Fever plays host to Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty.

The excitement surrounding Clark's debut is at an all-time high. So much so that the tickets for her preseason debut against the Dallas Wings are already reportedly sold out.

This is an impressive feat considering it's just a preseason game and it could be a sign of what's to come for Caitlin Clark and the WNBA as a whole.