Male Fans Angry With Newspaper Comparing Caitlin Clark To Larry Bird
This week, the Indianapolis Star asked if Caitlin Clark could be the next Larry Bird and it made a bunch of male basketball fans very angry.
The article stemmed from a response Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn gave to a question on Wednesday.
“Wow, is Caitlin Clark the next Larry Bird? Loretta Bird. That’s a great question,” Dunn said. “Let’s hope she is. Let’s hope she has the impact on this franchise that Larry Bird had on his franchise.”
“I think the great thing about her is that she makes everybody better on the court when she’s out there. She has that impact on people, she’s very unselfish and she’s an excellent passer. Does she have the potential to have a huge impact on our program? I think so.”
Apparently, according to Indianapolis Star writer Dana Hunsinger Benbow, some fans believe that is not only a “stupid comparison,” it’s “idiotic” and “laughable.”
But is it? Is it really?
The year before Larry Bird joined the Boston Celtics, 1978-79, they were 23-59. The next year, 1979–80, they went 61-21 and were Atlantic Division champions.
In Caitlin Clark’s case, the Indiana Fever were 13-27 last year (and 5-31 in the year prior).
Bird was a triple-double machine. Clark is as well. Bird made it to the college basketball championship game. Clark made it there twice. The Celtics added Kevin McHale and Robert Parish in Bird’s second year. The Fever already added Aliyah Boston. Bird made every player on his team that was on the floor better. Clark clearly did the same thing at Iowa and her Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides already sees it happening in the WNBA.
“If you talk to [Clark’s new teammates], they’re just really surprised at how well she’s able to find them on the court in transition,” Sides said.” She’s a willing passer at any point in time. She makes us all better.”
So if the Fever can turn things around in a similar fashion to what Bird did for the Celtics, how can you not make that comparison?Larry Bird also isn’t the only Bird to which Caitlin Clark has drawn comparisons.
Fever general manager Lin Dunn says she sees a lot of Sue Bird in Clark.
“I see many characteristics between Sue Bird and Caitlin Clark some 20 years later,” Dunn said Wednesday. “When I look at the great guards I’ve seen over how many years now, 28 years, Caitlin has the potential. If she stays healthy, adapts quickly to the physicality of this league, she has the potential to have that kind of career.”
Considering Sue Bird played for 20 years in the WNBA, was a four-time champion and a 13-time All-Star and had her number retired by the Seattle Storm, that too is a pretty lofty comparison.
Whether Caitlin Clark can live up to those expectations remains to be see. The good news, however, is that more people, including Sue Bird, will actually be watching.
News
Caitlin Clark Strikes Back, Shoves Opponent In Chippy WNBA Game
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever entered Wednesday’s game against the Washington Mystics on a positive note following their win over the WNBA-leading New York Liberty on Saturday. But, their matchup with Washington ended on a sour note. The Mystics…
The Online Community Is Confused By Caitlin Clark’s “Unsportsmanlike” Action Towards Julie Vanloo Of The Mystics In An Exciting WNBA Match
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever entered Wednesday’s game against the Washington Mystics on a positive note following their win over the WNBA-leading New York Liberty on Saturday. But, their matchup with Washington ended on a sour note. The Mystics…
The Fever’s Caitlin Clark Shoved The Mystics’ Julie Vanloo In An Exciting WNBA Match – The Referee Judged Clark To Have Committed An Offensive Foul.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever entered Wednesday’s game against the Washington Mystics on a positive note following their win over the WNBA-leading New York Liberty on Saturday. But, their matchup with Washington ended on a sour note. The Mystics…
Nike Faces Trouble After Sha’Carri Richardson Controversy As Caitlin Clark’s Shoe Release Reflects Disrespect For A’ja Wilson
Nike has been in the spotlight recently due to the mixed reception of its new USA track and field uniform. Despite efforts to enhance the Olympic atmosphere, the brand has faced some disapproval. The brand is currently facing intense scrutiny…
The Online Community Is “Shocked” By Shaq’s Bold Statement – “I’d Rather Make No Money Than Work With LeBron—All He Does Is Whine And Cry!”
In an explosive revelation that’s set the sports world abuzz, Shaquille O’Neal has reportedly turned down a staggering $100 million opportunity to appear alongside LeBron James in a high-profile commercial. Shaq’s jaw-dropping refusal stems from his blunt criticism of LeBron’s…
Kim Mulkey Asked Brittney Griner To Keep Quiet About Her Sexuality So That Baylor’s Recruitment Wouldn’t Be Harmed. – The online community cannot sit still and demand that Kim Mulkey apologize for having “sexist” thoughts.
Baylor coach Kim Mulkey and Brittney Griner discuss dunking, during a news… Baylor coach Kim Mulkey and Brittney Griner discuss dunking, during a news conference in Des Moines, lowa, Sunday, March 25, 2012, the day before the team’s NCAA women’s…
End of content
No more pages to load