More than a decade ago, All-Star guard Stephen Curry made his NBA debut and faced several challenges right from the start. According to Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is experiencing a similar start to her professional career.
Curry faced initial doubts in his NBA journey due to his smaller stature and injury history. However, his true potential flourished under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr. The apex of his success arrived in the 2014-15 season when the Warriors triumphed over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, securing a championship for the Bay Area.
Since then, Curry has added three more championship rings to his collection with the Warriors. Alongside these achievements, he has garnered two scoring titles, two MVP awards, one Finals MVP, an All-Star MVP, and 10 All-Star Game selections, among other honors. Additionally, Curry holds the record for the most three-pointers made in NBA history.
Despite a season that fell short of expectations, Curry continued to excel on the court. Throughout 74 games, the point guard maintained impressive averages of 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. The league’s first unanimous MVP showcased his shooting prowess, with a 45 percent field goal percentage, 40 percent from beyond the arc, and 92 percent from the free-throw line.
Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr Says Stephen Curry and Caitlin Clark Had Similar Pro Career Starts
Curry’s start to his pro career was very far from all that he has accomplished now. In an article by Tristi Rodriguez for NBC Sports, Kerr said he sees how Clark’s start as a professional mirrors that of the Golden State Warriors guard more than a decade ago.
“I think it’s kind of a right of passage for young players, whether it’s the WNBA or the NBA. The other players are going to test you,” Kerr told MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle on Monday’s episode of “The 11th Hour.”
“And actually, Caitlin reminds me a lot of Steph Curry. A lot of people may not remember this, but in Steph’s first couple of years, he was not a superstar. He was not who he is now. He had to get stronger, he had to understand people were coming after him. That’s what is happening with Caitlin right now.”
Over the course of 13 games this season, Clark has averaged 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest. While those numbers look okay, the Fever star can improve her 33 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 37 percent success rate from the field.
It remains to be seen how Clark’s career will play out after her first year in the WNBA. If it goes like Curry’s path in the NBA, she’ll do just fine.
For More Great Basketball Content
Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22 and follow us @HardwoodHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional sports, click here!
