Fever Coach Says Caitlin Clark Is Up There With WNBA Legend Diana Taurasi, Even As A Rookie

Caitlin Clark's incredible performance in just one half of a WNBA season has already drawn comparisons to some all-time greats.

Clark is living up to the hype, and then some, in her first year with the Indiana Fever. She leads all rookies in points scored and assists per game. 

Caitlin Clark's Comparison To All-Time WNBA Greats: Too Early or Right on Time?

Clark was slightly ahead of Chicago's Angel Reese in the Rookie of the Year battle until Clark went nuclear on Sunday, becoming the first-ever WNBA rookie to record a triple-double. Clark accomplished the feat in a win over the league-best New York Liberty, which was an exclamation on her triumph. 

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury smile during the game on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

Clark's early career excellence is drawing comparisons to all-time greats, such as 21-year veteran and three-time WNBA champ Diana Taurasi. 

Fever coach Christie Sides reflected on Sunday's 83-78 win and Clark's case for Rookie of the Year before comparing Clark to Taurasi. 

It was a major name-drop by the Fever coach.

Sides said, "I’m always going to make a case for my players. First and foremost, she is the most competitive human being I’ve ever met. I really compare her to Diana Taurasi."

Sure, Christie Sides can vie for her players, but there's truth behind the coach's statement. 

The coach added, "She’s always looking to find ways to get better. ‘How can I help the team? What can we do?’ … But she just wants to win. She just wants to win and to me, she’s going to be my [WNBA] Rookie of the Year every day — every day."

Diana Taurasi, 42, is widely recognized as a top-10 WNBA player all-time, landing on some fans' Mount Rushmore alongside names like Maya Moore, Sheryl Swoopes and Tamika Catchings. The 11-time All-Star, two-time WNBA Finals MVP and three-time champ still plays in the league, averaging 16.6 points per game for the Phoenix Mercury. 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 6: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the game against the New York Liberty on July 6, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

The resume battle between Taurasi and Clark tilts heavily toward the vet and given all the criticism Clark has faced this year; it wouldn't be surprising to see the rookie face backlash for being compared to Taurasi.

Still, Clark has demonstrated all the skills necessary to compete at Taurasi's level and surpass her on the list of all-timers.

Coming into Sunday's game against the Liberty, Caitlin Clark was leading the league in total points, as noted on the ESPN broadcast. She scored or assisted on 713 points for the Fever. 

Clark is averaging 16.1 points and 7.4 assists per game. 

READ: Chicago Sky Take Shady Shot At Caitlin Clark After Historic Triple-Double

Is the comparison really that extreme? Some may say it's not.

The Vet vs. The Rookie Is WNBA Box Office

Beyond her play, Clark is already hailed as the WNBA's most entertaining player, selling out venues unlike any season before. 

Before the season, Diana Taurasi commented on the incoming Caitlin Clark phenomenon. The vet predicted a "learning curve" for the college ball sensation and all-time NCAA women's basketball scoring leader entering her rookie year. Taurasi had no idea that by the All-Star break, Clark would generate so much excitement that people would start making comparisons.

Thanks to Clark's impact, the gears are beginning to turn for the surging Indiana Fever (9-13).

The two players clashed in a sold-out Footprint Center crowd on June 30, and Clark's Indiana Fever had the last laugh with an 88-82 win.

To this point, there has been good-hearted competition between Clark and Taurasi. While Caitlin battles Angel Reese as her on-court rival, the Indiana rookie maintains a ‘game recognizes game’ relationship with Taurasi.

Caitlin Clark and the Fever welcome Taurasi and the Mercury for a rematch on Friday (July 12).

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 30: Guard Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury drives against guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the fourth quarter at Footprint Center on June 30, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

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