Stephen A. Smith Says Caitlin Clark Should Receive “Gratitude”, Draws Comparisons to Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson

Caitlin Clark’s rookie season is over. The Indiana Fever star was unable to get his team past the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the playoffs, bringing his all-time rookie season to an abrupt end.

However, Stephen A. Smith notes that Clark deserves gratitude for what she accomplished during her season in the WNBA. He also compared the Iowa graduate to Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.

Smith went on First Take where he spoke passionately about Clark’s stellar rookie campaign. He said:

“The operative word that comes to mind when I think of Caitlin Clark is gratitude… This isn’t taking away from others… You think NBA players shouldn’t be grateful to Magic Johnson? Do you think NBA players shouldn’t be grateful to Michael Jordan? There were great players who were in this sport before they arrived. But when those brothers came, it took on an extra dimension.” Smith in question.

The NBA witnessed a significant explosion in popularity following the entry of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Clark’s ascension in the WNBA had a very similar effect.

Smith argued that paying respect to the greats of the past while giving Clark the recognition he deserves is not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, he presented proven facts to dispel narratives against Clark’s profound impact on the sport.

In Clark’s first season, the Fever set WNBA records by averaging 17,035 fans at home and 15,000 fans away. Additionally, the number of spectators across the league increased by 50 percent.

According to Fanatics, WNBA sales also increased by a ridiculous 450 percent. The best-selling jersey is none other than Clark.

Clark’s influence is on par with legendary female athletes

During the discussion of Clark’s rookie season, co-host Chiney Ogwumike made a bold take revolving around the Fever guard’s season.

Chiney argued that what Clark has been able to do is move the needle in women’s basketball, similar to what two female athletes in their respective sports have done. He said:

“Other athletes I have been able to see recently; The past generation that moved the needle in this way, maybe Serena Williams… Simone Biles. Now the difference is Caitlin hasn’t won yet.”

Chiney praised Clark for transcending her sport, similar to what Williams and Biles did when they achieved success. But Smith couldn’t agree. He lobbied with a large margin separating Clark from Chiney’s comparison.

Williams and Biles are stars of individual sports. Therefore, the attention is only on them. Clark brought attention to the WNBA as a whole. Smith believed it would make a difference, and once again likened Clark’s impact on the WNBA to Jordan and Magic’s impact on the NBA in the ’80s.

In just one season, Clark completely changed the face of women’s basketball.