There will always be a once-in-a-generation player who redefines a league, be it the NBA or WNBA. Since Stephen Curry was drafted by the Golden State Warriors, teams have nearly eliminated their mid-range shots and started employing more five-out actions. Although Caitlin Clark’s influence hasn’t reached this level yet, the Indiana Fever star is already affecting how opponents play against her, whether through strategies or rotations. Steve Kerr believes that, while she may not yet be a certified star, it is only a matter of time before her statistics and achievements soar.
Since joining the Fever, Caitlin Clark has been fairly inconsistent in her performance. This inconsistency is largely due to the growing pains and the intense defensive coverage she faces, which is unlike what she encountered at Iowa. Many fans expected her to be an immediate game-changer, but that’s not a realistic expectation for rookies. While they can make an impact, Steve Kerr pointed out that such challenges are typical on the path to stardom.
The Warriors’ head coach even went so far as to compare her to the greatest shooter of all time, according to Stephanie Ruhle of MSNBC.
“I think it’s kind of a rite of passage for young players, whether it’s the WNBA or the NBA. The other players are going to test you. Actually, Caitlin reminds me a lot of Steph Curry. A lot of people may not remember this, but in Steph’s first couple of years, he was not a superstar. He was not who he is now. He had to get stronger and understand that people were coming after him. That’s what is happening with Caitlin right now,” said Steve Kerr.
Numbers between the Warriors legend and Fever rookie
Kerr makes a great point here. Stephen Curry never averaged more than 20 points in his first three years with the Warriors, despite playing over 31 minutes per game when healthy. The same applies to Caitlin Clark. She is currently shooting 37.3% across all three levels of scoring and averaging 16.3 points per game. Although Curry scored more points, it’s important to note that an average NBA game is longer than a WNBA game.
Another factor that Kerr is considering is the target on the Fever rookie’s back. Caitlin Clark was the most hyped prospect the WNBA had ever seen, leading to extensive scouting by coaches. As a result, she faces airtight defense in single coverage and frequent blitzes as soon as she crosses halfcourt.
Despite these early setbacks, the Warriors’ head coach still holds her in high regard.
“I think it’s all part of the competition. She’s handling herself beautifully. She’s an amazing player, but like every college player transitioning to the WNBA or the NBA, it’s a process. They need to get stronger, adjust to the physicality and athleticism. So she’ll be fine, and I believe everything she’s experiencing right now is just part of her journey as a professional,” he added.
There are many adjustments Caitlin Clark will need to make throughout her career. However, it’s worth noting that Stephen Curry didn’t earn his first All-Star nod until his fifth year in the league. This suggests she has ample time to develop and could potentially exceed the accomplishments of the Warriors legend in her career.
