Carmelo Anthony Offers Honest Take on Caitlin Clark Comparisons

The Indiana Fever star deserves more generous NBA player comparisons, per the Hall of Famer.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the Indiana Fever, was recently compared to Boston Celtics player Payton Pritchard by Hall of Famer Reggie Miller. However, fellow Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony believes Clark deserves more generous comparisons, such as to Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic, due to her elite shooting ability and playmaking skills.

Why it matters

Clark has been a transformative player for the Fever since being drafted first overall in 2024. As one of the WNBA's brightest young stars, the comparisons made about her game carry weight and can shape perceptions of her talent and potential. Anthony's comments provide a fresh perspective on how Clark's game should be viewed in relation to some of the NBA's top players.

The details

In a recent podcast appearance, Anthony said he "was hearing it loud as s**t in my ear, and when he said Payton Pritchard, it just caught me off guard... She got a lil' Steph [Curry], [Tyrese] Haliburton. She play a little like Luka [Doncic]. She know angles. She manipulates your offense." Anthony believes Clark deserves more generous comparisons than just Pritchard, as she displays elite shooting, playmaking, and basketball IQ similar to NBA superstars.

  • Caitlin Clark was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024.

The players

Caitlin Clark

The star guard for the Indiana Fever, known for her elite shooting ability and playmaking skills.

Carmelo Anthony

A Hall of Famer and former NBA superstar who provided an honest assessment of the comparisons being made about Caitlin Clark's game.

Reggie Miller

A Hall of Famer who recently compared Caitlin Clark to Boston Celtics player Payton Pritchard, a comparison that Carmelo Anthony disagreed with.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was hearing it loud as s**t in my ear, and when he said Payton Pritchard, it just caught me off guard... She got a lil' Steph [Curry], [Tyrese] Haliburton. She play a little like Luka [Doncic]. She know angles. She manipulates your offense.”

— Carmelo Anthony, Hall of Famer (7PM in Brooklyn podcast)

The takeaway

Caitlin Clark's game deserves to be compared to some of the NBA's elite players, like Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic, rather than being limited to more modest comparisons. As one of the WNBA's brightest young stars, Clark's talent and potential should be recognized at the highest level.