Male fans are upset with the media comparing Caitlin Clark to Larry Bird

This week, the Indianapolis Star asked if Caitlin Clark could be the next Larry Bird and it made a bunch of male basketball fans very angry.

The article stemmed from a response Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn gave to a question on Wednesday.

“Wow, is Caitlin Clark the subsequent Larry Bird? Loretta Bird. That’s a high-quality question,” Dunn said. “Let’s hope she is. Let’s hope she has the impact on this franchise that Larry Bird had on his franchise.

“I assume the amazing aspect about her is that she makes anyone higher on the courtroom when she’s out there. She has that affect on people, she’s very unselfish and she’s an notable passer. Does she have the attainable to have a large have an effect on on our program? I think so.”

Apparently, according to Indianapolis Star writer Dana Hunsinger Benbow, some followers consider that is not solely a “stupid comparison,” it’s “idiotic” and “laughable.”

Is Caitlin Clark the next Larry Bird, a pro franchise changing figure?
In the hours since this posted, I’ve gotten emails from (male) readers telling me this is a “stupid comparison” “idiotic” and “laughable.”
Why? A woman can’t transform a franchise? https://t.co/wO80ZEjY8n

— Dana HunsingerBenbow (@DanaBenbow) May 2, 2024

But is it? Is it really?

The yr before Larry Bird joined the Boston Celtics, 1978-79, they had been 23-59. The next year, 1979–80, they went 61-21 and have been Atlantic Division champions.

In Caitlin Clark’s case, the Indiana Fever have been 13-27 remaining yr (and 5-31 in the year prior).

Bird was a triple-double machine. Clark is as well. Bird made it to the college basketball championship game. Clark made it there twice. The Celtics delivered Kevin McHale and Robert Parish in Bird’s 2d year. The Fever already added Aliyah Boston. Bird made each and every player on his team that used to be on the floor better. Clark in reality did the identical aspect at Iowa and her Indiana Fever instruct Christie Sides already sees it taking place in the WNBA.

“If you talk to [Clark’s new teammates], they’re simply clearly amazed at how well she’s able to discover them on the court docket in transition,” Sides said.” She’s a inclined passer at any point in time. She makes us all better.”

So if the Fever can flip matters round in a similar fashion to what Bird did for the Celtics, how can you not make that comparison?

Larry Bird additionally isn’t the solely Bird to which Caitlin Clark has drawn comparisons.

Fever generic manager Lin Dunn says she sees a lot of Sue Bird in Clark.

“I see many traits between Sue Bird and Caitlin Clark some 20 years later,” Dunn stated Wednesday. “When I appear at the wonderful guards I’ve considered over how many years now, 28 years, Caitlin has the potential. If she stays healthy, adapts rapidly to the physicality of this league, she has the achievable to have that kind of career.”

Considering Sue Bird played for 20 years in the WNBA, was a four-time champion and a 13-time All-Star and had her variety retired by using the Seattle Storm, that too is a distinctly lofty comparison.

Whether Caitlin Clark can stay up to those expectations stays to be see. The top news, however, is that more people, together with Sue Bird, will without a doubt be watching.

What a season @IowaWBB and what a career @CaitlinClark22. We undoubtedly watched one of the all time best college careers….ring or not. Thank you for helping elevate our sport with your play, your poise, and of course your logo 3’s! I can’t wait to watch you at the next level!

— Sue Bird (@S10Bird) April 7, 2024