Caitlin Clark Is Revolutionizing Women’s Basketball in Real Time

Like many, the WNBA has never fully captured widespread interest. There have been instances over the years when impressive plays momentarily grabbed attention. As John Wooden noted, the WNBA often showcases superior fundamentals compared to the NBA. However, there are also frequent displays of poorly executed basic plays. This was evident this season with Angel Reese before her injury—her shooting was inconsistent, with some glaring misses. Similar patterns were visible in the Olympics, where players occasionally faltered on seemingly simple shots or failed to finish plays.

Yet, women’s basketball is progressing, and Caitlin Clark is accelerating that transformation. She is performing at an unparalleled level, and what truly sets her apart—the hallmark of elite players—is her ability to elevate her entire team to new heights.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson offer the clearest parallels. Known for their extraordinary passing, they not only maximized their own skill but also made their teammates more adept passers. This kind of influence is contagious and transformational.

The Indiana Fever’s win over the Dallas Wings highlights this phenomenon. There are moments where Indiana’s ball movement is nothing short of poetic.

Clark has revolutionized her team, forcing the rest of the league to keep pace. Arguably the most captivating player in basketball today—transcending even the WNBA—she offers lessons to many in the NBA. Clark isn’t just scoring or passing; she’s orchestrating her team, elevating her teammates, a distinction reserved for the game’s true greats.