Caitlin Clark’s transition into the WNBA with the Indiana Fever has been challenging, facing physical and mental tests from opponents. Warriors coach Steve Kerr, drawing from his extensive experience in professional basketball, sees parallels between Clark’s early career and that of NBA superstar Steph Curry.
A Rite of Passage
Kerr views the tough treatment Clark is receiving as part of a common initiation for young talent in professional basketball:
- “I think it’s kind of a right of passage for young players, whether it’s the WNBA or the NBA. The other players are going to test you,” Kerr said on MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour.” He believes this testing phase is about competition and not personal, emphasizing that it’s a standard experience for rookies to prove their resilience and skill.
Drawing Parallels with Stephanie Curry
Kerr compared Clark’s situation to Curry’s early years in the NBA:
- “Caitlin reminds me a lot of Steph Curry,” Kerr stated. He highlighted that Curry, now a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, also faced significant challenges when he first entered the league. Curry had to get stronger and learn to handle opponents targeting him because of his potential.
In his initial seasons, Curry was not the superstar he is today. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing just over 180 pounds, he was often underestimated and physically outmatched. However, he focused on building his strength and confidence, eventually revolutionizing the game with his shooting.
Handling Adversity and Growth
Kerr praised Clark’s handling of the adversity, suggesting that her current struggles are a normal part of becoming a professional athlete.
- “She’s handling herself beautifully. She’s an amazing player,” Kerr said, noting that like every player transitioning from college to the pros, Clark needs time to adapt to the increased physicality and athleticism of the WNBA.
Clark’s journey mirrors Curry’s early experiences, where he, too, had to adjust and improve his physicality to match the rigours of professional play. This period of adaptation is critical, and Steve Kerr is confident that Clark, with time and perseverance, will excel just as Curry did.
A Path to Greatness
Curry’s trajectory from an overlooked college player to an NBA icon serves as an inspiring blueprint for Clark. Kerr believes that if Clark continues to develop her game and physical conditioning, she can build a legacy in the WNBA similar to what Curry has achieved in the NBA.
By embracing the challenges and learning from each experience, Clark is on a path that could see her emerge as one of the WNBA’s elite players. Kerr’s insights underscore the universal aspects of professional sports where talent, hard work, and resilience combine to create greatness.
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