"Can't compare her to A'ja Wilson" - Ex-Lakers player shares insight on Caitlin Clark’s rapidly growing fanbase

By Orlando Silva

Modified Aug 30, 2024 00:23 GMT

Patrick Beverley came up with an explanation as to why many fans relate to Caitlin Clark. The WNBA rookie is having a remarkable 2024 season, leading the Indiana Fever to 15 wins with nine more games to play after only winning 13 last year. She became a sensation during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes, gaining plenty of fans while being the biggest attraction in college basketball.

The former NBA guard said that given her size at 6 feet, fans feel close to Clark. Beverley even likened Clark's situation to Steph Curry, who isn't a giant among giants despite being 6-2, which makes people relate and be inspired by him.

"You can't compare her to Candace Parker, can't compare her to Maya Moore, can't compare her to A'ja Wilson," Beverley said in a clip shared on X on Thursday. "You can't compare her to these women. She has a normal woman's frame. The everyday average woman is her height.

"Same with Steph Curry. It was no surprise why he was so relatable, why people loved him."

Just like Curry, Caitlin Clark is a shooter expected to mark an era in the WNBA. The Indiana Fever star didn't have the best start to her career, but as the weeks went by, she found her rhythm and led the Fever to post better numbers on their way to the 2024 playoffs.

The Olympic break helped her recharge for the second half of the season, as the Fever are now one game below the .500 mark (15-16). The No. 1 pick is averaging 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game in five post-All-Star games.

Stephen A. Smith says Caitlin Clark can be the greatest shooter in WNBA history

Veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith made a strong statement about Caitlin Clark's future in the WNBA, saying she could become the greatest shooter in WNBA history.

"She clearly has a chance. She's hit more 3s than any rookie in WNBA history," Smith said on ESPN's 'First Take' on Thursday. "I'll remind you, over the last 10 games or so, this game was averaging 22.2 points, 10.3 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals. The Fever were 15-16 and in the seventh playoff spot right now, 4-1 since the Olympic break and won six of the last eight dating back to mid-July."

Clark has played at a high level and is considered the favorite to win the 2024 Rookie of the Year award.