Caitlin Clark silencing critics like Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic, says veteran analyst: “Great players, they figure it out”

B

Caitlin Clark’s emergence from hate compared to Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic (Imagn)

As she continues her rookie year, Caitlin Clark continues to impress with her offensive abilities. Following another record-breaking performance, one analyst compared her to a pair of current NBA stars.

While many fans have praised Clark since she entered the WNBA, the reception from other players hasn’t been the same. During a recent episode of his “Nightcap” podcast, Shannon Sharpe had a couple of big-time comparisons for her situation. Sharpe feels her talent outweighs her hype similar to Larry Bird, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.

“She’s elite, she’s the pinnacle at passing the basketball,” Sharpe said. “Great players, regardless of the sport, they figure it out.”

“Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon” – WNBA expert calls Angel Reese’s ROTY case a mere hype for ‘clicks’

WNBA Power Rankings: Top 5 teams ft. New York Liberty (Week 11)

Angel Reese pens emotional and loving note for former Chicago Sky teammate

“They said the same thing about Luka, he’s too slow. He can’t play no defence. He can’t jump. They said the same thing about Jokic, he fat, he out of shape.”

During her historic run at college, Caitlin Clark’s scoring and three-point shooting got most of the attention. However, upon entering the WNBA, it’s been her playmaking that has shined.

At this point in the season, Clark is leading the WNBA in assists per game at 8.3. Before the Olympics break, she set a new single-game record with 19 against the Dallas Wings. In her latest outing, Clark set another record by notching the most assists in a season by a rookie.

Caitlin Clark reacts to setting new WNBA assist record

In her first game back from the All-Star/Olympics break, Caitlin Clark notched 29 points and 10 assists against the Phoenix Mercury. She took the floor again on Sunday night, notching 23 points and nine assists against the Seattle Storm.

Adding 19 more assists to her season total out of the break, Clark surpassed the rookie record previously held by Ticha Penicheiro. After the Indiana Fever’s matchup with the Storm, the No. 1 pick was asked about pulling off this feat. She’s thankful to pass someone who has been a mentor for her and is looking forward to setting new records in the future.

“To pass somebody like her I’m just forever thankful. She’s been such a legend in our game,” Clark said. “It’s super cool but hopefully there’s a lot more of those.”

In just her first season, Clark has etched her name in the history books on multiple occasions. Along with what she’s done with her passing, she also began the first rookie in WNBA history to notch a triple-double earlier this season.

With another record on her list of accolades now, Clark continues to build a strong case to be named Rookie of the Year.