June 10th 2024.
Last week, sports journalist Jemele Hill sparked a conversation about the budding rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. She compared it to the iconic rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the NBA, which originated during their college years and continued to elevate as they both entered the professional league in the 1980s. Recently, Magic himself appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show and voiced his agreement with Hill's comparison.
During his appearance on June 6th, Magic discussed the young WNBA rookies and their potential to bring the same level of competition and excitement as he and Bird did in the NBA. He noted that while Bird was drafted a year earlier in 1978 by the Boston Celtics, he himself was drafted in 1979 by the Los Angeles Lakers. In college, Bird's team, Indiana State, had an undefeated season, but Magic's Michigan State team defeated them and claimed the national championship. Both players went on to lead their respective teams to NBA championships.
Reflecting on his own experience, Magic acknowledged that veterans in the league may feel jealous of the rookies, especially if they come in with a lot of hype and attention. He shared with Kimmel, "Veterans are going to test you. If they feel that you've gotten more money or more publicity, they're upset about that." This sentiment was also echoed by former NBA player Matt Barnes, who recently stated that Clark's teammates need to step up and protect her on the court.
Magic emphasized the importance of supporting players like Clark, Reese, and Cameron Brink, who plays for his team, the Los Angeles Sparks. He acknowledged that they bring a fresh energy to the league and will be challenged by the experienced players who have been in the WNBA for a long time. While Clark may be the most popular player in the league right now, Magic noted that she still has to prove herself as the best player by consistently performing at a high level. He likened her journey to his and Bird's in the NBA, stating, "Just like Larry and I, were not the best when we entered the league. We became the best later on by our play. Caitlin still has to play great to become the best WNBA player."
As the conversation around the WNBA and women athletes continues to grow, it's clear that these talented rookies are making a significant impact. The rise of name, image, and likeness deals in the college sports world has also led to more brands investing in these athletes over professional players. And with the dominance of women athletes in the arena, it's an exciting time to be a fan and witness the evolution of the game.
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