Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in basketball has been nothing short of a spectacle. From lighting up scoreboards during her Iowa days to a record-shattering rookie season with the Indiana Fever, Clark has become a bona fide star. But is she the biggest star under 30 in basketball—male or female? According to Bill Simmons, the NBA’s resident hot-take factory, the answer is a resounding yes. And predictably, NBA fans aren’t having it.
In a recent episode of his podcast, Simmons delivered a comment so spicy it should’ve come with a Scoville warning: Caitlin Clark is a bigger star than any NBA player under 30. Yes, that includes Anthony Edwards, the rising star of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who has fans—and box scores—eating out of his hands.
The backlash was swift and brutal. Social media lit up with fans dunking on Simmons like he’d just tried to guard Shaquille O’Neal in the post.
“What is bro even talking about?? Nobody in China rocking a Clark jersey,” one fan quipped, referring to the NBA’s unparalleled global reach. Another chimed in, “Take Clark and Giannis to China and let’s see who’s bigger.”
Some took it a step further, accusing Simmons of fishing for clicks with an absurd take. “She has zero global brand for now. Awful take. Maybe one day, but not close at the moment,” said a fan who, presumably, has never missed a Twitter debate.
Anthony Edwards Fans Bring the Heat
Among the names thrown into the fray was Anthony Edwards, affectionately known as “Ant” by fans. The Timberwolves guard, known for his electrifying dunks and unfiltered personality, has quickly become a fan favorite. And his defenders weren’t about to let Simmons disrespect their guy.
“Ant was out here carrying Team USA in the World Cup while Simmons was probably Googling ‘WNBA rookies,’” another fan shot back, reminding everyone that Edwards is already a key figure on the global stage.
Adam Silver Joins the Clark Hype Train
While Simmons might’ve veered into hyperbole, even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged Caitlin Clark’s impact. Speaking ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game in Indiana, he sang her praises.
“Caitlin Clark set the world on fire, not just this community,” Silver said. “This league is a 28-year overnight sensation.”
It’s true that Clark’s rookie season was historic—an All-Star nod, playoff berth, and a laundry list of records. But is she really on par with NBA stars whose names echo around the globe?
Final Whistle: Greatness Needs Time
There’s no denying Caitlin Clark’s growing stardom. She’s a trailblazer in women’s basketball and a key player in the WNBA’s rise. But to say she’s already eclipsed the likes of Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, or Ja Morant? That might be as premature as crowning the Timberwolves as 2024 NBA champs.
For now, Simmons’ take seems destined to join the pantheon of internet hot takes that age like milk. But hey, it’s the kind of chaos sports debates are made for. After all, where’s the fun if we all agree?