Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular, complete with every kind of check you can imagine: endorsement checks, reality checks, heat checks, and even actual checks on the court, like the infamous hip check by Kennedy Carter that sparked widespread debate. Throughout the ups and downs of her introduction to the WNBA, a striking story is developing—one that goes beyond the drama and focuses on the admiration from the NBA’s biggest stars.
Some of the most celebrated figures in basketball, from LeBron James to Steph Curry, have openly admired Caitlin Clark. What sets her apart in the eyes of these NBA icons? In her college days, Clark was a force, consistently leading her team to victory, shattering records, and captivating basketball fans across the nation. Now, she has flawlessly transferred that appeal to the professional arena, drawing massive crowds and generating excitement every time she steps out on the court.
Clark’s game is different. She’s not just making shots; she’s making them from the logo. Her ability to space the floor, combined with her skill to manipulate defenses and deliver passes with pinpoint accuracy and speed, has established her as one of the greatest passers the women’s game has ever seen.
Before Clark even joined the WNBA, basketball icon Diana Taurasi offered a forewarning during an ESPN interview at the Final Four in April. She stated that reality was about to catch up with Clark, highlighting the significant on-court adjustments she would need to make in a league filled with physically mature and highly experienced players. This transition has naturally generated mixed feelings among WNBA players. Many feel that the spotlight on Clark has overshadowed their achievements and contributions to the league, a sentiment common among rising stars in basketball, as they begin to build their legacies.
However, the perspective of NBA players contrasts sharply with that of some WNBA players. NBA stars generally wish the best for their WNBA counterparts and express strong support for new talent like Clark. Kevin Durant, for example, has been vocal in his praise for Clark, publicly acknowledging her skills and impact on the game. On his podcast, Durant shared his admiration for Clark’s remarkable talent and the unique edge she brings to the court. He highlighted her speed and strategic agility, describing a particular moment that left a lasting impression: “She pulled one three like a leaning three, and you can just tell like every other court’s not expecting her to shoot yet. And she coming through the lane, crossing over, crazy footwork, shooting, getting to the cup.”
Clark’s style of play is marked not only by her remarkable skill, range, and basketball IQ but also by the pure joy she brings to the court, which has captivated NBA players and fans alike. Her ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court, combined with her playmaking skills, makes her a constant challenge for any defense. This blend of scoring and playmaking has transformed her into a dynamic threat on the basketball court.
Reflecting on her performance at Iowa, where she nailed nine three-pointers and scored 41 points in a crucial game that led her team to the Final Four, Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks expressed admiration for Clark’s talents. When asked if Clark reminded him of himself, his response was telling: “More Steph Curry.” This endorsement highlights a recognition of her exceptional abilities from some of the best players in basketball.
Stephen Curry himself has noticed the similarities between his playing style and Clark’s performances. His appreciation for Clark goes beyond her impressive shooting skills, recognizing her strong influence on the game as a whole. Curry shared his insights, noting: “The way that she plays and her range and the level of difficulty on her shots is obviously a very close comparison to the way that I play. But I think it almost robs her of like the rest of her game because she’s such a good floor general, racking up close to triple-doubles every night.”
Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been transformative, elevating the league to unparalleled levels of success and visibility—a fact not lost on LeBron James. On his podcast, “Mind the Game,” LeBron highlighted the significant changes Clark has brought to women’s basketball. He passionately spoke about the increased interest in the league and some notable firsts that Clark has helped achieve, such as the league’s first-ever chartered plane flight. James emphasized, “Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA. Don’t get it twisted.”
The rise in support and recognition from NBA players for Caitlin Clark underscores her potential to transform women’s basketball. The praise from top NBA stars marks a new transformative period for the WNBA, driven by players like Clark who attract fans, motivate future athletes, and change perceptions of women’s basketball. NBA players see this and their support highlights a collective hope for the continued growth of the game they love. This is why NBA players love Caitlin Clark and why her journey is so crucial to the future of the WNBA.
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Source: New York Post
