In the latest round of sports media drama, Stephen A. Smith has once again taken the spotlight, this time in defense of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Known for his impassioned takes, Smith has compared Clark to NBA superstar Stephen Curry, dubbing her the “baby-faced assassin” of women’s basketball due to her remarkable shooting range and impact on the game.
Clark, who has made a significant impact in her rookie season with the Fever, has been a major topic of discussion, both for her on-court performance and the polarized views about her place in the WNBA. While Clark’s statistics and her influence on the Fever’s success are undeniable—averaging 23.3 points and 10.1 assists over the past 10 games—there has been some friction in how her achievements are perceived, particularly from notable figures within the basketball community.
Legendary player Sheryl Swoopes, now an analyst, has notably been reticent to fully acknowledge Clark’s contributions. Despite Clark’s pivotal role in turning the Fever’s season around from a 0-5 start, Swoopes’ commentary has often overlooked Clark’s transformative impact on the team. This omission has sparked a strong reaction from Smith, who has become one of Clark’s most vocal advocates.
On his show, Smith defended Clark vehemently, drawing parallels between her and Curry, the first unanimous NBA MVP. He praised Clark’s ability to make long-range shots and emphasized how her presence has dramatically increased viewership for the Fever. Smith’s comparison to Curry highlights Clark’s unique skill set and influence, suggesting that her impact on the game is as significant as Curry’s has been in the men’s league.
The tension between Smith and Swoopes has been further fueled by recent comments on their respective platforms. Swoopes, during a podcast episode, focused on the Fever’s turnaround but didn’t delve into Clark’s central role, which prompted Smith to accuse her of unfairly downplaying Clark’s contributions. This led to a heated exchange, with Smith accusing Swoopes of perpetuating a narrative that undermines Clark’s achievements.
In response, Swoopes defended her right to discuss the game as she sees fit and maintained that her relationship with Clark remains positive. She even shared private messages with Clark to demonstrate that there are no hard feelings between them.
The debate over Caitlin Clark’s place in the WNBA continues to stir controversy, reflecting broader discussions about how emerging stars are recognized and appreciated in the sport. As Clark continues to shine on the court, the media discourse around her will likely remain as dynamic as her performances, with advocates like Stephen A. Smith leading the charge to ensure her impact does not go unnoticed.