Caitlin Clark’s current contributions to the WNBA parallel the transformative impact that Michael Jordan had on the NBA during the 1980s. In a commercial context, Clark is instrumental in elevating the WNBA onto a global platform. Her influence has opened numerous avenues for women’s basketball, encompassing everything from ticket pricing to lucrative signature shoe endorsements. The magnitude of Clark’s impact is such that former NBA players are drawing comparisons between her and emerging rookies in men’s basketball. Has Caitlin Clark established a new benchmark for elite rookies to aspire to?
In a recent post on X, former NBA player Rashad McCants likened the Houston Rockets’ top draft pick, Reed Sheppard, to Caitlin Clark. Sheppard, the third overall selection in the 2024 NBA draft, has already garnered attention for his impressive performances in both the preseason and summer league, positioning himself as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year before the season even commences. However, while both players share the distinction of being sharpshooters, their college experiences diverged significantly. Clark was the face of Iowa Basketball, while Sheppard often played off the bench, sharing the spotlight with teammates like Antonio Reeves and Rob Dillingham.
McCants’ comparison came in response to Yahoo Sports analyst Tom Haberstoh’s assertion that Sheppard embodies the next era of Stephen Curry. During her inaugural season, Caitlin Clark sparked discussions regarding her remarkable shooting range. Previously, Sabrina Ionescu was frequently compared to Curry, but Clark’s prowess has positioned her firmly in that conversation. Her average three-point shooting distance of 28 feet in her rookie season eclipses the best performances of established stars such as Trae Young, Damian Lillard, and Stephen Curry. Thus, while McCants affectionately refers to Sheppard as “Lil Caitlin,” he subtly suggests that Clark has already become the most comparable figure to Curry.
As Reed Sheppard embarks on his rookie season, he carries considerable expectations as a potential long-term solution for the franchise’s point guard position. Despite appearing in only 33 games for Kentucky, he posted an impressive shooting line, including an 83.1% free-throw percentage and 52.1% from beyond the arc, the highest in the nation. Although neither Clark nor Sheppard may surpass Stephen Curry’s records, the anticipation surrounding their impact is palpable. As Clark aims to solidify her status as the best player in the WNBA following her Rookie of the Year accolade, Sheppard seeks to demonstrate that he belongs among the elite of his draft class, setting the stage for an exciting future for both athletes.