Caitlin Clark Couldn’t Believe What Michael Jordan Said About Her
Prepare to be amazed! we dive into the moment basketball legend Michael Jordan shared his thoughts on Caitlin Clark’s electrifying rise in the sport. From her record-breaking performances to her incredible court presence, find out why Jordan’s words left Caitlin speechless.
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Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in basketball has captivated fans, critics, and legends alike. Yet, nothing could have prepared her for the ultimate compliment—praise from Michael Jordan himself. The story of Clark’s journey is one of grit, perseverance, and groundbreaking talent, a tale that has redefined the perception of women’s basketball.
It all began with Caitlin Clark stepping onto the basketball court with an audacity rarely seen in the sport. From her long-range three-point shots to her unwavering determination, Clark was doing things that had never been witnessed in women’s basketball. Her performance didn’t just draw attention; it demanded it. Even seasoned legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan couldn’t help but take notice.
In one unforgettable game, Clark’s ability to drain deep threes reminiscent of NBA superstar Steph Curry left commentators and fans in awe. Her talent was undeniable, but it was her consistency that truly set her apart. Unlike others who occasionally dazzled, Clark delivered electrifying performances game after game. She was rewriting the rules of what was possible for women on the court.
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, made a rare public acknowledgment of Clark’s abilities. During an interview, Jordan couldn’t hide his admiration. “She’s doing stuff we’ve never seen before,” he remarked. Comparing her range and difficulty of shots to his own playing style, he highlighted her fearlessness and ability to dominate in high-pressure situations. For Clark, hearing this from a legend like Jordan was surreal. It wasn’t just praise—it was validation.
Clark’s style of play is undeniably transformative. Shooting consistently from 26 to 30 feet, she has pushed the boundaries of what many believed was possible. Her performances in critical moments, such as the NCAA finals, have cemented her status as a once-in-a-generation talent. Fans have even started calling her the “Steph Curry of women’s basketball,” a testament to her unmatched ability to sink improbable shots.
Her rookie season in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever only solidified her place as a game-changer. Averaging 19.2 points and a league-high 8.4 assists, Clark not only led her team to the playoffs but also proved she was ready to dominate at the highest level. Commentators drew parallels between her impact on the league and the transformative effects of legends like Jordan, LeBron James, and Curry in their respective eras.
But her journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
Despite her undeniable talent, Clark has faced significant criticism, particularly from within the WNBA. Some players expressed hostility, which many attributed to jealousy over her rapid rise. Critics labeled her as “overhyped,” but her performances silenced doubters time and again. Even Hall of Famer Rick Barry, known for his blunt opinions, called out the critics, describing their negativity as rooted in fear and envy. “What Caitlin has brought to the game is revolutionary,” Barry stated. “Any player who tries to diminish that is doing the league and themselves a disservice.”
George Gervin echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Clark had elevated the WNBA to new heights. “She’s a spark the league needed,” he said, emphasizing the importance of embracing her star power. Yet, not everyone in the basketball world shared this enthusiasm.
Clark’s exclusion from the US Olympic team became a particularly heated topic. Celtics legend Paul Pierce publicly questioned the decision, arguing that leaving the league’s most popular player off the roster made little sense. Shaquille O’Neal also came to her defense, praising her resilience and talent. “If I say ten times you’re not going to hit that shot, and you hit it every time—that makes you the real deal,” he declared during a podcast appearance. O’Neal’s endorsement underscored Clark’s undeniable greatness, even in the face of criticism.
Former NBA player Jeff Teague added his voice to the conversation, criticizing the WNBA for mishandling Clark’s rise. “She’s the best thing to happen to the WNBA,” Teague argued. “Instead of celebrating her, they’re holding her back.” His frustration highlighted a larger issue within professional women’s basketball: the struggle to fully capitalize on its star players’ potential.
Despite the challenges, Clark has remained focused. Her response to adversity has been nothing short of inspiring. When she was excluded from the Olympic team, NBA legend Dwight Howard described it as a “blessing in disguise,” suggesting it could fuel her motivation. True to form, Clark returned to the court with renewed determination, delivering performances that silenced her critics.
Magic Johnson, part owner of the Los Angeles Sparks, praised Clark for her transformative impact on the league. Drawing parallels to his rivalry with Larry Bird, Johnson emphasized the importance of teamwork and patience in overcoming challenges. His insights served as a reminder that greatness is not achieved in isolation.
Even Charles Barkley, known for his candid opinions, acknowledged Clark’s significance. While pointing out areas where she could improve, Barkley celebrated her contributions to the game. “She’s evolving,” he said. “What she’s done for the women’s game is incredible.” His words underscored Clark’s ongoing journey of growth and adaptability.
Clark’s popularity has extended far beyond the WNBA. Her courtside appearance at an NBA game between the Knicks and Pacers drew one of the loudest cheers of the night, louder than some NBA stars. It was a testament to her growing influence and the ways she’s bridging the gap between men’s and women’s basketball.
Her story resonates because it’s about more than basketball. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging outdated norms, and proving that women’s sports deserve the same recognition and respect as men’s. For Clark, the journey is about staying true to her passion and inspiring others to dream big.
As she continues to push boundaries and redefine expectations, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t just changing the game—she’s shaping its future. And with praise from legends like Michael Jordan, her star will only continue to rise
Shaq says Gregg Popovich gave him shoes when he was ‘growing up’ in San Antonio
Coach Pop has always been a giving person.
Shaquille O’Neal shared a story on TNT about how Gregg Popovich gave him shoes when he was a kid in San Antonio.
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The more stories that come out about Coach Pop, the more I miss seeing him at the end of the bench on any given night.
It’s been nearly four months since the San Antonio Spurs have seen Gregg Popovich on the floor of the Frost Bank Center. The NBA’s all-time winningest coach (at 1,412 wins over a nearly three-decade career, but who’s counting) has been absent from the sidelines since suffering what the team called a “mild stroke” on November 2, 2024.
And despite hope from Spurs fans that Coach Pop could make some sort of comeback before the end of the 2025 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Saturday, February 22 he “is not expected to return this season, and his NBA future is uncertain.” Charania broke the news only days after the Spurs announced Victor Wembanyama had deep vein thrombosis and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 31, 2023 in San Francisco.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The news on Coach Pop’s absence going forward prompted a short tribute from the TNT Tuesday night crew on Tuesday, February 25 during post game of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks game. Host Adam Lefkoe highlighted what the Spurs coach means to the NBA and USA basketball, then talked about the “dynasty” Popovich created before he handed the baton to Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaq, who spent some his teenage years in San Antonio, said Coach Pop did something for him he never talked about when he was in high school, and at the time, Popovich was an assistant coach with the Spurs.
“Growing up, [I] couldn’t really afford a lot of shoes so my father went to the Spurs organization because they had a guy – Chuck Nevitt – who had size 20 [shoes],” O’Neal said. “My father had a conversation with Coach Popovich. Coach Popovich gave him three pairs of shoes. So I’ve always loved him and respected him for that. And I’d rather see him healthy, and alive and here on Earth rather than coaching so.”
O’Neal than finished his thought by looking at the camera and speaking to Popovich. “Coach we love you, get well soon. We respect you; we appreciate you,” he said before turning to the crew. “He’s already done enough for the game, I’d rather just see him healthy.
“I remember that day in San Antonio you gave me those shoes coach, I appreciate you very much,” O’Neal added.
Another day, another reason to love Popovich. You can see the full segment below:
