There are always players who redefine their sport, and Stephen Curry is one such game-changer for the NBA. Since joining the Golden State Warriors, Curry’s impact has been profound, leading teams to abandon mid-range plays and adopt more five-out strategies. Though Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA with the Indiana Fever hasn’t revolutionized the game yet, her influence on opponents’ tactics is undeniable. According to Warriors coach Steve Kerr, it’s only a matter of time before Clark’s stats and accolades begin to reflect her potential.
Clark’s transition to the WNBA has been marked by inconsistency, partly due to the tough defensive schemes she faces, which differ greatly from what she encountered in college at Iowa. Fans had high expectations for her to make an immediate impact, but as Kerr pointed out, rookies often need time to adapt and grow into their roles. The growing pains Clark is experiencing are typical for any young player adjusting to the professional level.
Kerr went as far as to draw a comparison between Clark and Curry, highlighting the parallels in their early careers. In an interview with Stephanie Rule of MSNBC, Kerr noted, “Caitlin reminds me a lot of Steph Curry. In his first few years, Steph wasn’t the superstar he is today. He had to get stronger and adapt to the fact that opponents were targeting him. That’s exactly what Caitlin is going through right now.”
The statistics support Kerr’s comparison. During his first three seasons, Curry didn’t average more than 20 points per game despite significant playing time. Similarly, Clark is currently averaging 16.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of 37.3%. It’s important to remember that an NBA game is longer than a WNBA game, which influences these comparisons.
Clark’s journey is further complicated by the immense hype surrounding her arrival in the WNBA, leading to intense defensive attention from opponents. Coaches have extensively scouted her, resulting in tight defenses and frequent double teams. Despite these challenges, Kerr remains optimistic about her future, stating, “She’s handling herself beautifully. It takes time for college players to get used to the physicality and athleticism of the pro leagues. She’ll be fine, and this is all part of her growth.”
Clark has a lot of adjustments to make, but Curry himself didn’t achieve his first All-Star selection until his fifth year. Clark has ample time to develop and might even surpass Curry’s achievements in the long run. Her journey, like Curry’s, is one of perseverance and gradual improvement, promising an exciting future for the young star.
Leave a Reply