1 Min Ago: Larry Bird Breaks Silence On Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark has taken the basketball world by storm, drawing widespread admiration and sparking some surprising dynamics, especially when it comes to support from the NBA versus the WNBA. While many NBA legends openly celebrate her talent, the WNBA community’s response has been more complex, often tinged with envy rather than pure admiration. This difference highlights the gap between how men’s and women’s basketball players view Clark’s unprecedented rise.
Stephen Curry, one of the first NBA stars to voice his support, couldn’t help but admire her game. Known for his own long-range shooting style that revolutionized the NBA, Curry immediately recognized elements of his game in Clark’s. In an interview, he shared his excitement for her skill, saying, “The range, the confidence, the flare—she’s like a performer out there.” Curry acknowledged that Clark’s shooting ability gets the most attention, but her game is much more than that. Her vision, passing skills, and all-around play make her a “complete player,” he said. Her shooting, Curry admitted, may be her superpower, but the full breadth of her game is what makes her truly special.
LeBron James also praised Clark’s achievements, seeing her as a figure who could spark great things for the WNBA. James urged her to ignore the critics and simply enjoy her time on the court, noting that she reminds him of his own early years when he often single-handedly carried his team to victory. “She’s the kind of player who can take over a game and make everyone around her better while still dominating herself,” he said, high praise from a player known for his ability to elevate his team.
Clark’s Indiana roots have also drawn comparisons to Larry Bird, the legendary NBA star known for his relentless work ethic and competitive grit. Like Bird, Clark’s determination and skill have made her a standout player, breaking records and showcasing a brand of Indiana basketball brilliance. Bird’s former rival, Magic Johnson, also weighed in, likening the rivalry between Clark and Angel Reese to his own battles with Bird in the 1980s. Johnson sees rivalries like these as essential to elevating the game, making it more exciting for fans and drawing more attention to women’s basketball.
Johnson observed that while Clark is currently the most popular WNBA player, she has room to grow. “Just like Larry and I weren’t the best when we entered the league, she still has to play her way to the top,” he said. Johnson believes that Clark, Reese, and other young stars have reignited a competitive spirit in the WNBA, reminiscent of the Larry-Magic era, where fans eagerly tuned in to witness the next chapter.
Larry Bird, who had remained relatively silent about Clark, finally broke his silence to offer his own words of wisdom. Having faced similar scrutiny in his career, Bird advised Clark to stay focused, reminding her that critics come and go. “What you’re doing now is going to be remembered forever,” he told her. “The people tearing you down—they’ll fade away. Trust me, I’ve been there.”
Clark’s journey has already captured the attention of the biggest names in basketball, and their support underscores her potential to reshape the sport. With praise from legends like Curry, James, Johnson, and Bird, Caitlin Clark stands poised to leave an indelible mark on basketball. The road ahead may come with challenges, but with icons cheering her on, her future looks brighter than ever.
