Caitlin Clark has revolutionized the way fans look at women’s basketball. Since her entry onto the big stage, her followers have wanted to watch her every game and in turn, support the WNBA. Seeing her clout, recently Jason Smith and Mike Harmon compared her to two NBA legends and drew parallels between their impact and that of Clark.

Smith was hosting his namesake show along with his partner Harmon and the two discussed a lot of details about Clark including her average performances. But that did not deter the duo from making spectacular comparisons to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

Jason Smith compliments Caitlin Clark

The video of the same was posted on ‘The Jason Smith Show’ through Fox Sports Radio’s official YouTube channel on Saturday. A reflective Smith was looking at Clark’s impact when he made the comparison. “You have now seen the Caitlin Clark effect now where WNBA games are nightly highlights. They’re nightly stories, they are the stuff we pay attention to. They have sudden relevance all because Caitlin Clark is in the league and it’s great that now we are opening up and talking about other players. Right? Angel Reese’s debut was a big deal and she was fine. Kelsey Plum’s a huge star,” Smith stated.

May 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball down court, Thursday, May 16, 2024, during the Indiana Fever home opener game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports

“Cameron Brink got a bunch of run on the local news,” Harmon chipped in.

Clark’s repertoire with her fans took new heights in the NCAA when she surpassed the legendary Pete Maravich as the highest scorer. Compounding that, the Iowa Hawkeyes had an alpha in Clark and relied a lot on her which helped decimate astounding points. Clark averaged a whopping 28.4 points in her four years of college career. And with it, she brought a lot of attention to the women’s NCAA and now to the WNBA as she was drafted along with her peers Angel Reese and Cameron Brink.

“Like i told you. She was going to have a Magic and Larry like effect on the WNBA and here we are. The WNBA has now gotten… now they said next week. They’re going to have charter flights for everybody. It’s taking care of and now you’re part of the every night highlight in sports. It’s a great, great time. She is already having that effect,” Smith continued.

Clark used to sell out stadiums during her time with the Hawkeyes. Due to her presence, the women’s NCAA Finale had more average viewership than the men’s NCAA Finale. And now with her emergence in the WNBA, the league is ready to invest around $50 million over the next two years to provide charter flights. Most probably with Clark’s entry in the league, there are speculations that the league will make more money.


USA Today via Reuters

Similarly, NBA legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are credited for taking the NBA to new heights during the 1980s. Bird’s special abilities with the ball took the Boston Celtics back to their winning ways. Similarly, Johnson’s contributions to the Los Angeles Lakers brought forth a new rivalry and the two garnered a lot of attention. However, Clark hasn’t been able to live up to the standard she has maintained for herself.

Caitlin Clark’s sprint of average performances continues

The Indiana Fever have lost all three games of their regular season. Clark potted 20 points in her regular season debut against the Connecticut Sun. In her most recent loss against the New York Liberty, Clark could only manage 22 points. The way she has progressed is commendable throughout her NCAA days. However, she has set expectations and high standards and is now failing to live up to her reputation.

Perhaps it is this praise from analysts that Clark needs to get going. Hopefully, she will be able to match Bird and Johnson even with her contributions on the court.V