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"She reminds me of a female version of Steph Curry" - Rick Pitino breaks down what makes Caitlin Clark so similar to Stephen Curry
"She reminds me of a female version of Steph Curry" - Rick Pitino breaks down what makes Caitlin Clark so similar to Stephen Curry originally appeared on Basketball Network. Ever since Caitlin Clark entered the world of professional sports, she has boosted the WNBA's marketability and financial visibility and elevated its entertainment aspect immensely. Her performances have captivated fans and forced many to ask whether anyone has impacted a league this profoundly so early in their career. Advertisement According to St. John's head coach Rick Pitino, Clark's influence and playing style reminds him of the undisputed "Three-Point King" Steph Curry. Rick Pitino draws a comparison between Caitlin Clark and Steph Curry When Steph entered the NBA in 2009, he immediately showcased his range and efficiency, shooting 43.7 percent from beyond the arc in his rookie season and 44.2 percent in his second year. Statistically, Clark hasn't reached that level of sharpshooting yet - she shot 34.4 percent from three in her rookie campaign and is currently averaging 29.5 percent in the 2025 season. But for Pitino, it is not about the raw numbers but about the fearlessness. The willingness to pull up from deep, sometimes from near the logo, with unwavering confidence, is one aspect of "Ponytail Pete's" game that reminds him of Curry. Add in their similarly lean, athletic builds, and Pitino sees even more similarities between the two stars. Advertisement "Well, she's a great passer. She reminds me of Steph Curry when Steph Curry came into the league. She is doing what Steph did early on," Pitino confidently declared during his appearance on Colin Cowherd's 'The Herd' show. "She has unbelievable range, has great vision, is a terrific passer. You know, physically, she's a little weak, but she'll get stronger as time goes on. She really understands how to play and she reminds me of a female version of Steph Curry." Caitlin Clark's game is more well-rounded than Steph Curry's Though Caitlin still has a way to go before reaching Steph's elite status as a shooter, her playmaking ability sets her apart at this early stage. The Indiana Fever guard has averaged 8.6 assists per game since her debut, displaying a pass-first mentality rarely seen from a rookie guard. While a young Steph was laser-focused on scoring, Caitlin seems determined to be a true floor general - dropping dimes, elevating her teammates, and still putting up over 18 points per game. Advertisement In the end, Rick Pitino's comparison is not just a compliment but a testament to how Caitlin has already made waves across the basketball world. When your every move starts getting compared to one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, you are clearly doing something special, and everyone in the basketball world notices you. Nevertheless, if Clark wants to surpass the impact of a young Steph, she needs to lead her Fever team to unprecedented success, at least a meaningful and deep playoff run—something that the latter couldn't do with his Golden State Warriors team until he paired up with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Related: Doc Rivers proclaims Caitlin Clark as basketball's biggest superstar: "That's what a superstar does" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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2 hours ago
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"He gets somebody who is kind of like more of a firm leader" - Paul Pierce points out the best thing about Kevin Durant going to Houston
"He gets somebody who is kind of like more of a firm leader" - Paul Pierce points out the best thing about Kevin Durant going to Houston originally appeared on Basketball Network. Kevin Durant seems to be a good acquisition for the Houston Rockets. Durant is the go-to scorer and veteran superstar that the Rockets did not have when they faced the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs and lost. Advertisement However, more than Durant's compatibility with the team, Paul Pierce believes that KD's fit with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka is the better part of the deal for Houston. "The best part about it is like Ime over there," said Pierce. "Like him under Ime, cuz this is the best coach he didn't play for since Steve Kerr. Think about it, even though it didn't work out in Phoenix and Brooklyn. It was Steve Nash who was a young coach who was still learning. And coach Bud wasn't really a good fit for him. And so now he gets somebody who kind of like more of a firm leader who gonna hold him accountable a little bit." Durant and Udoka history together Udoka is one of the top young coaches in the NBA as he is known for his strong personality on the bench. As a former player, Udoka communicates well with his players and holds them accountable. But perhaps more importantly, he and Durant know each other and have a history together. Advertisement He was an assistant under Nash in Brooklyn during the 2020-21 season, which was KD's first with the Nets. He was also an assistant for Gregg Popovich on the 2020 U.S. men's basketball team which Durant was also a part of. "I was with Ime, so I know how real he is. He doesn't sugarcoat a damn thing," Durant said last February when asked about Udoka. "He's gonna tell you exactly what he feels and how he feels you should play, regardless of what your status is in the league and that goes a long way as a coach. Your players will tend to respect you in the long run." Aside from Udoka, Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey was Durant's teammate in Oklahoma City and is also from the University of Texas. Ivery was also an assistant on the Nets 2020-21 team, so Durant's connection with the Rockets coaching staff runs deep. Related: Kevin Garnett left Michael Jordan off his all-time starting five: "He is the god, and we copied him and s—t, but I got Kob' at my two" Durant is going to lead by example Aside from liking KD's rapport with the Rockets' coaching staff, Pierce also defended Durant from the criticisms about his leadership. According to Paul, no player works harder in the gym than Kevin, who loves basketball like a fish loves water. He thinks that his work ethic is going to rub off on his younger teammates in Houston. Advertisement "KD gonna lead by example," added Pierce. "He getting in there early, late, whatever, getting shots up. If I'm them young dudes on the bench of Houston, he going to inspire. They gonna have to raise their level and I could see that happening with him there. The young boys though on the perimeter too, especially, Houston got some over there," added Paul. There's no question that the acquisition of KD puts Houston in a win-now mode and the betting gods agree. The Rockets have opened with a top three betting odds to win the 2026 NBA championship. With Durant finally playing for a coach who not only knows his skillset but also respects him as a player and person, the Rockets could indeed be a team to watch next season. Related: "What I want to see is KD win without Curry" - Kendrick Perkins doesn't want Kevin Durant back in Golden State This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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10 hours ago
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Dwyane Wade believes Westbrook is still the OKC GOAT despite Shai's historic season: "We are talking about a player who went and did something, and people said it will never be done again"
Dwyane Wade believes Westbrook is still the OKC GOAT despite Shai's historic season: "We are talking about a player who went and did something, and people said it will never be done again" originally appeared on Basketball Network. We're just days removed from watching the Oklahoma City Thunder climb the NBA's mountaintop for the first time in franchise history. A young, hungry squad led by a calm killer who turned the entire league into his playground for eight straight months. If it wasn't one of the greatest individual seasons of all time, then it was easily one of the best we've seen in recent memory. Advertisement Oh, to be completely honest, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't just lead — he dominated. He took home the scoring title, started in the All-Star Game, was All-NBA First Team, and ran through the Playoffs like a seasoned vet. He bagged Western Conference Finals MVP, followed it up with Finals MVP, and just for good measure, he added the league MVP to the trophy case. Then he topped it all off with a ring. That run right there doesn't happen often. So it's no surprise the "Shai-for-Thunder-GOAT" conversations have hit another gear. It's only been six seasons, but with everything he just pulled off, fans are starting to wonder if we've already seen the best to ever do it in an OKC jersey. But not everyone's ready to give him that crown. Dwyane Wade, a guy who knows a thing or two about being the legend of the franchise, still sees Russell Westbrook at the top of that list. Advertisement "To me, I still think that Russell Westbrook is the best player in Oklahoma City history. Right now… Doesn't mean he is going to end up that way, but to me, I still believe that," Wade said in his recent breakdown after the 2025 Finals. "You can tell me now that a player can come to Miami, win a regular season MVP, win a Finals, a Finals MVP and he just becomes the greatest player in Miami history like that," he added. Westbrook embodied the OKC spirit for over a decade D-Wade's argument isn't only nostalgia talking; it's about the whole body of work for over a decade. When he looks at Russ, he sees a guy who gave everything to that franchise, a walking highlight reel who never cheated the game. Advertisement Westbrook won MVP in 2017 and made eight All-NBA teams and eight All-Star appearances during his 11 seasons with the Thunder. And, of course — he averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons in OKC, something most of us thought was impossible in this era. "Wait a minute. We are talking about a player who went and did something (average a triple-double), and people said it will never be done again. He did it four times," the Miami Heat legend argued. Sure, he didn't bring the Larry O'Brien title home. And yes, the team never made it back to the Finals after Kevin Durant left. But in terms of doing the heavy lifting night after night, carrying rosters, setting the tone and building a brand of basketball that was all heart, nobody embodied Oklahoma City more than Russ did. Related: "We only needed one more guy" - Patrick Beverley says the Clippers lost SGA because Kawhi thought he needed more help The narrative could shift soon The Thunder have something real on their hands. A young core, a winning culture and a new face of the franchise who's already accomplished what Russ couldn't — and he's only entering his best career years. Advertisement If the Thunder runs it back and Shai keeps performing at this level, the conversation is going to shift fast. Because when you start stacking rings on top of MVPs, Finals MVPs, and everything else he just pulled off, that's when legacy talk gets real. Westbrook's impact in OKC will always be legendary, and there is no doubt about it. But if SGA keeps leading this franchise like he did in 2025, not even Wade might be able to keep Russ at the top of that mountain. Related: Montrezl Harrell says Clippers gave up too soon on Shai: "All you had to do is let the kid develop" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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10 hours ago
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"Be happy about the balloons" - DeMarcus Cousins hilariously ruined John Wall's long-awaited NBA return party
"Be happy about the balloons" - DeMarcus Cousins hilariously ruined John Wall's long-awaited NBA return party originally appeared on Basketball Network. Suffering a devastating injury and trying to return from it can be a harrowing time in an NBA player's life. This was especially true for former All-Star guard John Wall, who didn't get to play for two years due to a heel injury and, later, a ruptured Achilles tendon. Advertisement However, the day of his return to the basketball court eventually came in December 2020. Not long after he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Houston Rockets, the explosive guard was giddy with excitement at the chance to do what he loved most: hoop. But just when John's enthusiasm was at an all-time high, he was suddenly brought back down to earth as he was imposed with a league-mandated seven-day quarantine due to "health and safety protocols," thereby delaying his much-awaited return. DeMarcus Cousins, Wall's former college teammate at Kentucky and later in Houston, revealed that the incident figuratively deflated Wall's excitement. A celebration organized by Wall's loved ones to mark his NBA return was abruptly cut short. A party pooper In an interview on the "Run Your Race" podcast, DeMarcus told host Theo Pinson that he and John lived in the same condominium complex, with the latter residing a floor above him. As the anticipation built for his first game, which came against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wall's team prepared a celebration to commemorate his return. Advertisement "I remember going up to his condo like the day of the game. And at this time, COVID was around. So, you know, it was really, really sensitive. You did this, you know, you couldn't play," Cousins recalled. "So John was super excited about his first game back. They had this whole little setup in the house with balloons and s—t." However, as Wall was getting ready to go to shootaround, he was abruptly told to get off the court and quarantine for seven days. Apparently, a teammate tested positive for the virus, which meant John had to get tested and get cleared to play. Safe to say, he didn't take the news lightly. Related: Dwyane Wade explains why the Heat didn't pull the trigger on Kevin Durant: "This is what the Heat do; they are not turning their chips until they feel like they got a winner" Wall was pissed It wasn't just Wall who was asked to quarantine because of that incident; so were Cousins and fellow Rockets Eric Gordon and Mason Jones. However, with DeMarcus living nearby, he took the chance to rib his good friend about it. Advertisement "So they had this whole little setup. I remember walking into his condo and, you know, John sitting on his couch. He's pissed," Boogie shared, laughing. "So he's just sitting there, he's sad as f—k. Nobody in there. He got all these goddamn balloons and s—t." "And I remember walking in, I'm like, 'Damn dog.' I'm like, 'Man, 11B I know you mad as a MFer, bro. Hey, this s—t cool and s—t.' He like, 'Bro, get the f—k out, man. Like I ain't trying to hear this s—t.' I'm like, 'Why you mad at me, bro?' I said, 'These some nice ass balloons and s—t, though. Like man, hey, hey, be happy about the balloons," DeMarcus continued narrating. Wall eventually got to play for the Rockets, returning with a bang, registering 22 points and nine assists in a 122-119 win over the Sacramento Kings. A few days later, he proved that his performance was no fluke, as he tallied 28 points in yet another win against the Kings. John's time in Houston, though, was short-lived, as he played in only 40 games and was waived by the team in June 2022. Related: Adam Silver plans to use Artificial Intelligence after the NBA's injury surge: "Ingest all video of every game a player's played in to see if we can detect some pattern" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
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14 hours ago
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"All they do is talk about my mama, my grandparents, my f—ng kids" - Vernon Maxwell on why he'll forever hate Utah Jazz fans
"All they do is talk about my mama, my grandparents, my f—ng kids" - Vernon Maxwell on why he'll forever hate Utah Jazz fans originally appeared on Basketball Network. Though more than two decades have passed since Vernon Maxwell's final NBA seasons, his feelings about playing in Utah, home of the Jazz, remain anything but subtle. From referring to the fans as "farm animals" to seizing every opportunity to criticize the state, it's evident that Mad Max harbors a deep-seated disdain for Utah. Advertisement But where did this animosity originate? As Maxwell revealed in a recent interview on Byron Scott's podcast, it all stems from the relentless taunting he received from Jazz fans during games. A raucous fanbase With the Jazz being the only big-time professional team in town, it's no surprise the residents of Utah are fiercely protective of their beloved NBA franchise. This intense allegiance to the team translates into a loud and passionate fan base, who are known for making life difficult for opposing players. There have been many occasions where jeers outweighed cheers, leading to tense confrontations between visiting players and the Jazz's home fans. In fact, things got so bad in 2019 that the Jazz's team owner, Gail Miller, stood at halfcourt to address some fans' behaviors. But judging from Maxwell's latest tirade, he has yet to forget about how he was treated every time he played in Salt Lake City. Advertisement "I can't stand them MFers," he emphatically said. "Them MFers harassed the s—t out of me off so bad up there, man. I mean, that was one trip — I said to the NBA, 'I could not stand to go on that damn road trip to Utah.' I'd be like, 'Oh man, we going up here with these redneck MFers. All they do is talk about my mama, my grandparents, my f—king kids — MFers talk about me." What sets the NBA apart from other professional sports leagues in the United States is the fans' proximity to the players. In the National Football League and Major League Baseball, fans watch the action from a comfortable distance. In contrast, NBA fans sit just steps away from the court, offering a unique opportunity to interact with players in a way that fans of other sports leagues rarely experience. Related: "We gave them a champion, and we didn't get Zion?" - Arenas isn't pleased with the Wizards' giving away Jordan Poole A vendetta against Utah Maxwell isn't the only player who has spoken about their bitter experiences playing in Utah. Russell Westbrook has had heated exchanges with Jazz fans due to derogatory comments made towards him. In addition, even former Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell has mentioned feeling drained from dealing with off-the-court issues in Utah. Advertisement "As far as Utah, it became a lot to have to deal with on a nightly basis. I got pulled over once. I got an attitude from a cop until I gave him my ID. And that forever made me wonder what happens to the young Black kid in Utah that doesn't have that power to just be like, 'This is who I am,'" he remarked. However, Maxwell's vendetta with Utah doesn't appear to end soon. "I'm like, 'Man, f—k Utah.' When I got a platform, I could talk about your MFers, I was going to kill them. And that's why I'm killing you MFers every time I get on a f—king platform," he concluded. Sports fans are passionate and some will go to great lengths to get opposing players off their games. However, there's a fine line between decency and fandom, one that must never be crossed, even in the heat of battle. Advertisement Related: "'F—k the education! Go get your f—ng money'" - Vernon Maxwell claims he was one of the first to advise Kobe Bryant to skip college This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
