When Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, says he’s watching you play, it’s a sign you’re doing something special. That’s exactly what happened last season when Bird shared that he was watching Caitlin Clark and her team just as closely as he did his own Indiana State squad back in the day. And for a man who’s seen the best of the best, that’s saying a lot.

Larry Bird doesn’t throw out praise easily. He’s played against the likes of Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and other basketball legends, so when he takes the time to watch a rising star like Clark, there’s something more to it than just admiration. Bird sees something in Clark that reminds him of his own journey. He wasn’t the most athletic player on the court. He didn’t jump the highest or run the fastest. But Bird had something that can’t be measured in stats: an almost magical understanding of the game. Now, decades later, Bird sees that same magic in Clark.

But Caitlin Clark isn’t just making waves in basketball — she’s creating a whole new ocean. Before even playing her first professional game, Nike signed her to a $28 million deal. That’s more than many NBA players earn in a year. She’s already the biggest star in the WNBA, and she’s just getting started.

However, with all this attention comes a double-edged sword. The spotlight isn’t all applause and adoration. With fame comes scrutiny, and Clark feels the pressure. While some praise her every move, others doubt her and criticize her performance. But, just like Bird, Clark seems to thrive under the microscope. Her journey mirrors Bird’s in a lot of ways. Both have this uncanny ability to see the game in a way that others can’t. Bird had his court vision, and now Clark has hers.

When you watch Caitlin Clark play, it’s not just about her flashy shots or highlight-reel passes. It’s about the way she thinks the game. While most players are focused on the present moment, Clark is already thinking three, four, maybe five steps ahead. She’s playing chess when others are playing checkers.

Clark’s game is more than just impressive — it’s revolutionary. Every time she steps onto the court, she exudes confidence, a quiet belief that she belongs. And just like Bird, she makes up for what she lacks in raw athleticism with a razor-sharp basketball IQ and skill set. It’s a reminder that basketball isn’t just about who can jump the highest or run the fastest. It’s about who can think the quickest and execute with precision.

Now, enter Steve Kerr, another basketball legend who knows a thing or two about greatness. As a player and coach, Kerr has won nine NBA championships, and he sees something in Clark that he also saw in Steph Curry. Kerr likens Clark’s style of play to Curry’s early years in the league. While Curry wasn’t a superstar at first, he learned and evolved — just as Clark is doing now.

And Kerr isn’t the only one drawing comparisons to Curry. The greatest shooter in NBA history, Steph Curry himself, has spoken about Clark’s game. “She’s fearless,” Curry said. “The game runs through her, but she doesn’t just score – she makes everyone around her better.” Like Curry, Clark has an almost supernatural ability to shoot from anywhere on the court. Whether it’s a deep three-pointer from the logo or a crafty no-look pass, Clark is changing the way we think about the game.

What’s truly remarkable about Clark’s shooting is her form. Curry points out that whether she’s shooting from three feet or thirty feet, her technique doesn’t change. Her feet are always set, her elbow in perfect position, and her follow-through is almost flawless. That’s not just talent — that’s the result of countless hours in the gym, perfecting her shot until it’s second nature.

Clark’s range has made her a nightmare for defenders. The moment she crosses half-court, defenders have to be on high alert because they know she can score from anywhere. Teams have tried everything to stop her — taller defenders, quicker defenders, double teams, and even denying her the ball — but Clark always finds a way. Her ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor and make pinpoint passes makes her nearly impossible to guard.