TNT commentator and NBA legend Charles Barkley recently compared WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark to a Dallas Mavericks legend, but his recent comparison likely wasn’t what you thought. He compared Clark, 22, to Jason Kidd instead of Luka Doncic or Dirk Nowitzki, which was rather unexpected but showcased a great deal of respect for the Indiana Fever rookie sensation.
Barkley, 61, was shorter than the typical power forward but used his strength and aggression to become one of the best rebounders, scorers, and power forwards in the NBA. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star, an 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams.
Read this article for more information about Barkley comparing Clark to Kidd, as Barkley’s offbeat comparison has sparked conversation in recent days.
Charles Barkley’s Comparison
Charles Barkley had a celebrated 16-year NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. Barkley was selected fifth overall by the 76ers at the 1984 NBA Draft out of Auburn.
After a storied NBA career, Barkley became a studio analyst for TNT Sports. Barkley’s frequent appearances at pregame shows, halftime shows, and podcast episodes have maintained his household name, including his recent appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” hosted by HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons.
According to Athlon Sports, Barkley told Simmons, “When I watched her play the last month, I think she’s learning to play faster because I think she’s learning to trust those girls more.
“Now she’s playing a lot without the ball, and she reminds me more and more of Jason Kidd. Jason Kidd is the best I’ve ever seen playing without the basketball.”
Barkley’s Appreciation
Charles Barkley’s appreciation for Caitlin Clark knows no bounds. Barkley not only complimented Clark’s play but also slammed the “petty” WNBA media coverage for their negative coverage of Clark.
According to Sports Illustrated, Barkley told Bill Simmons,
“These ladies — and I’m a WNBA fan — they cannot have f—ed this Caitlin Clark thing up any worse if they tried … People believe what we say on television. Just because people don’t like you or your personality, they can’t get on TV and slander you. It’s just total bulls—.
“This girl is incredible. The number of attention, eyeballs she’s brought to college and the pros, and for these women to have this petty jealousness. You’re saying to yourself, ‘Damn, what is going on here?’ And the thing I love about her, she never says a word. But these ladies, who I love and respect their game, they couldn’t have f—ed this thing up any worse. There’s been so much negativity.”
Charles Barkley’s Effect
Charles Barkley’s effect can rub off on others, including Caitlin Clark. Clark is just a rookie point guard for the Indiana Fever with a long way to go if she wants to fill Jason Kidd’s shoes, but it’s doable — and she’s arguably on the right path with Barkley’s huge comparison of her to Kidd.
Kidd, 51, has been the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks since 2021. He’s one of the greatest point guards of all time. He was a 2011 NBA champion, a 10-time NBA All-Star, a six-time All-NBA Team member, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Kidd averaged 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in 1,391 career games in the NBA. As of September 4, 2024, Clark averaged 18.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.4 assists in 33 career games in the WNBA. Like Kidd, she’s a playmaker, a good thing as she could benefit from taking the final shots for her teammates.
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