While Caitlin Clark has been often described as the female Stephen Curry, Gilbert Arenas has a different comparison for the Iowa Hawkeyes star: Damian Lillard.
Arenas explained his reasoning in the latest episode of his podcast, noting that Clark’s long-range ability is more similar to Lillard’s.
Caitlin Clark Is Like Damian Lillard, Claims Gilbert Arenas
![Iowa Hawkeyes: Why Caitlin Clark Is Like Damian Lillard, Per Gilbert Arenas 1 Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark, Damian Lillard, Gilbert Arenas](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_6166934-683x1024.jpg)
According to Arenas, Clark reminds him of Lillard more because of the way they shoot. The former NBA All-Star explained that Clark often sets the distance of her range in her first shot, forcing opponents to guard her from that area.
Arenas has noticed the same thing from Lillard, hence the comparison.
“Caitlin [Clark] reminds me of what Dame [Lillard] does…She sets the distance on her first shot so you have to guard her there. Now, she can do whatever she wants to do,” Arenas said.
To be fair to Arenas, his take makes some sense. And it’s no like he’s simply choosing to be different by comparing Clark to other players not named Curry. Lillard, after all, is one of the best shooters in the NBA and has a repuyation for long-range bombs like the Golden State Warriors star. There’s a reason he’s called “Logo Lillard.”
![Iowa Hawkeyes: Why Caitlin Clark Is Like Damian Lillard, Per Gilbert Arenas 2 Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark, Damian Lillard, Gilbert Arenas](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22891536_168400517_lowres-683x1024.jpg)
Going back to Clark, the Iowa superstar did showcase her shooting ability against the LSU Tigers in their Elite Eight showdown. She started the game with a triple, and just went off from there to finish with nine triples on 20 attempts. Clark exploded for 41 points as the Tigers had no answer for her.
With that performance, it’s not surprising why Arenas was reminded of Lillard after watching Clark.
Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark Still Closer To Stephen Curry?
![Iowa Hawkeyes: Why Caitlin Clark Is Like Damian Lillard, Per Gilbert Arenas 3 Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark, Damian Lillard, Gilbert Arenas](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22922752_168400517_lowres-1-711x1024.jpg)
For what it’s worth, though, many still see Caitlin Clark closer to Stephen Curry. NBA legend Paul Pierce shared as much recently, noting that he was “mesmerized” by her performance for the Iowa Hawkeyes against the LSU Tigers.
“I was mesmerized by her. I will tell you this: this was the greatest performance I’ve ever seen in the NCAA tournament, girl or boy. This is Steph Curry’s influence now. … My only comparable to her is Steph Curry. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Pierce shared.
Meanwhile, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic called Clark a “woman Stephen Curry” before admitting that the 22-year-old is a better shooter than he is.
“She shoots it better than me, that’s for sure,” Doncic added.
Clark definitely deserves all the praise she’s getting. And while it’s fun to compare her to other players, one thing is clear: Clark is a real one of one.
![Iowa Hawkeyes: Why Caitlin Clark Is Like Damian Lillard, Per Gilbert Arenas 4 Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark, Damian Lillard, Gilbert Arenas](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_6158628-713x1024.jpg)
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