On March 3, 2026, during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller discussed the ongoing comparisons between WNBA star Caitlin Clark and NBA superstar Stephen Curry. Miller, a Hall of Famer, stood by his original comment linking Clark more closely to Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, rather than Curry, emphasizing that their similarity lies mainly in their ability to shoot deep three-pointers. Miller explained that while Clark has brought significant attention to the WNBA, her playing style differs notably from Curry’s approach.
Miller Explains Differences Between Clark, Pritchard, and Curry
Miller highlighted Pritchard’s scoring ability inside the paint and his playmaking style centered around deep threes and fast breaks as key traits similar to Caitlin Clark’s. He noted,
“It wasn’t a question of historically, or stature-wise, who she is compared to. Because if that was the case, obviously, she has brought so much attention to WNBA and eyes like a Stephen Curry.”
Reggie Miller emphasized that Pritchard’s recent performance, including a 30-point, 8-assist game against the Lakers, demonstrated his similar style to Clark’s, especially in terms of taking a step back for deep threes and creating assists by pushing the ball forward.
Despite Pritchard often being regarded as a role player, Miller pointed out that Clark is emerging as a primary figure in women’s basketball. However, when Dan Patrick raised the comparison to Curry, Miller firmly rejected the notion that Clark’s game truly mirrors the Golden State Warriors star. Miller stated,
“That’s not her game. The only thing that she has in common with Steph is that they both shoot deep. Steph plays off the ball now.”
Distinguishing Clark’s Ball-Handling Role from Curry’s Off-Ball Movement
Miller elaborated on how Curry’s evolution involves significant off-ball movement, where he leverages screens, cuts, and backdoor plays to create open shots without needing to handle the ball constantly. This contrasts with Caitlin Clark, who maintains ball control throughout plays, aligning more closely with the style of Payton Pritchard. Miller summarized this difference by saying,
“Caitlin has the ball like Payton Pritchard has the ball all the time.”
The remark, made during a live NBC broadcast with Clark present, initially saw her smile fade, a reaction quickly noted by fans across social media. Clark later responded lightheartedly by sharing a buzzer-beater clip from Pritchard on X with three smirking face emojis, showing no sign of being fazed.
Carmelo Anthony Offers His Perspective on Clark Comparisons
On Miller’s NBC podcast 7PM in Brooklyn, fellow analyst Carmelo Anthony weighed in on the debate, providing a more nuanced take on Clark’s playing style. Anthony acknowledged Miller’s reasoning but described it humorously as partly accurate, stating,
“I see where he was trying [to go],”
and adding,
“He wasn’t completely tripping, but he was tripping.”
Anthony suggested comparing Clark to players like Luka Doncic and Tyrese Haliburton based on her offensive craftiness. He explained,
“Caitlin Clark got like, she got a little Steph, she got Haliburton. To me, she plays like Haliburton,”
and
Luka, she plays a little bit like Luka. She knows angles, she manipulates you on offense like Luka.”
Anthony’s analysis focused on Clark’s ability to bend angles and generate scoring opportunities, traits common among the players he mentioned, which offers a broader view of her unique style beyond the Curry comparison. Despite these insights, Miller maintained his stance on Clark’s similarities to Pritchard rather than Curry.
Significance of the Debate and What It Means for Caitlin Clark’s Future
The discussion around Caitlin Clark’s playing style and her comparisons to NBA stars like Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and Tyrese Haliburton highlights the growing attention and respect she commands in the basketball world. As the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year and a rising star, Clark’s distinct approach blends deep shooting prowess with constant ball-handling responsibilities, setting her apart from the off-ball movement of legendary three-point shooters like Curry.
These debates not only fuel fan engagement but also underline Clark’s role in expanding the profile of women’s basketball nationally and internationally. With her driving creative offense and commanding presence on the court, Clark is poised to be one of the defining athletes of the league’s future. Meanwhile, voices like Miller and Anthony provide valuable insights that help fans understand the nuances shaping her unique gameplay and potential legacy.
