NBA Champion Robert Horry Wants Caitlin Clark To 'Protect Herself'

Caitlin Clark received some straightforward advice from a seven-time NBA champion earlier this week.

It's no secret that Clark has dealt with plenty of physicality since entering the WNBA in 2024. Roughly three weeks ago, the star guard for the Indiana Fever had a heated exchange with Golden State Valkyries forward Tiffany Hayes.

Even though Clark hasn't dealt with any cheap shots this season, she's being encouraged to show more aggression on the hardwood while also keeping herself out of harm's way.

Robert Horry, who spent the majority of his NBA career with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, believes it's time for Clark to fight back - figuratively speaking.

"You think about when you when you're the best, everybody want to knock you out. And I think a lot of people are going after her and for me, just play the game," Horry told Fox News Digital. "Some other players around the league didn't protect themselves, and the (harassment) went on, so my best advice (for) her is protect yourself. Don't let nobody try to punk you."

Horry mentioned how one of his former teammates, Shaquille O'Neal, would push back against those who tried to roughen him up.

"I think I (played) with one of the greatest players (in) Shaquille O'Neal, he got hammered. I know he's bigger and stronger than Caitlin, but he got to a point where he just started fighting back. You know, someone (elbowed him), you elbow him back."

Things are looking up for Caitlin.

Clark showed her toughness earlier this week, knocking down a game-winner against the Washington Mystics. Overall, she's averaging 18.7 points and 7.9 assists per game this season.

We'll see if Clark can take her game to another level over the next few weeks.

The Fever will take on the Chicago Sky this Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:21 PM.