Arguably no rookie in WNBA history came into the league with more hype than Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

Perhaps the most apt comparison to the amount of fanfare that Clark’s debut season invoked is that of LeBron’s James’ rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2003.

Like James was more than two decades ago, Clark is an unintentional lightning-rod kind of player. She didn’t ask for it, but the non-stop attention follows her wherever she goes.

 

LeBron James Warns Caitlin Clark to Avoid Press Amid Indiana Losing Streak: 'Keep Your Mouth Shut' - Yahoo Sports

James knows all too well everything Clark has experienced this season from the record breaking to the constant criticism she endured on a daily basis, which is why during an exclusive interview with Brian O’Keefe of Esquire, James was complementary of the AP WNBA Rookie of the Year having walked in her shoes at one point.

“I have a great deal of respect for Caitlin Clark because I know exactly what it means to be drafted, be the face of a franchise, and also get the scrutiny from a lot of people that don’t believe you’re ready for the next jump, don’t believe you’re ready for the big leagues, and just don’t think that you belong,” James said. “And I remember that when I came into the league at eighteen years old how many people doubted me and hoped and prayed that I’d fail.

“And so, me watching Caitlin and seeing what she’s doing, I’ve been in support of her since Day 1 because I remember myself going through that, and she has my support 100 percent. She’s a transcendent player. And obviously we all saw that at Iowa, and I knew that it would translate to the big leagues. And she’s an unbelievable talent. It’s great to watch.”

May 24, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) smiles as she heads down court after a 3-point basket in the final seconds of the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.

James’ and Clark’s rookie seasons weren’t all that different.

Both also won Rookie of the Year, both led their teams to significant improvements from the previous season, and both were prominent targets of sports talk radio and television analysts.

Their first-year statistics were also pretty similar.

James averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 39.5 minutes per game, while Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 35.4 minutes per game. They both had identical field-goal percentages (41.7), though Clark bested James in 3-point percentage (34.4 to 29).