Sue Bird, a prominent figure in the WNBA, holds the view that Caitlin Clark, a standout at Iowa, has the potential to excel in the league upon her transition. Despite ongoing disappointment in discussions surrounding women’s sports, exemplified by recent comments from Kenny Smith during the Sabrina Ionescu vs. Stephen Curry Three-Point Contest, Clark has managed to captivate fans with her remarkable scoring prowess and remarkable shooting range. Her stellar performance has garnered widespread recognition, even among those who may hold misconceptions about the quality of women’s sports.

Clark, who recently surpassed Kelsey Plum as the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball, is also closing in on Pete Maravich’s overall college basketball scoring record. Consequently, if she opts to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft, she is likely to be the top pick for the Indiana Fever.

Sue Bird, revered as one of the WNBA’s finest, envisions Clark potentially earning a spot on the All-Star team in her debut season, despite the challenges that lie ahead.

“I think if she plays up to her potential, yes, that’s realistic. And by the way, that’s not a knock on anyone in the WNBA. It’s going to be hard, but I think she can do it,” Bird said on the Sports Media with Richard Deitsch podcast, via Mike McDaniel of Sports Illustrated.

 

The jump from Division I basketball to the professional level is a steep one. But Sue Bird, as great as she was back in her playing days, knows what greatness looks like. Caitlin Clark oozes transcendence. Bird pointed out that it’s the Iowa star’s generational marksmanship from deep that would immediately make her one of the best players in the WNBA despite her youth.