For years, the lazy comparison for Caitlin Clark has been Stephen Curry. It makes sense on the surface: both wear number 22 (or 30), both launch threes from the logo with effortless mechanics, and both have completely changed the geometry of the basketball court. But according to WNBA legend Candace Parker, if you actually watch the film, that comparison is incomplete.
In a recent episode of her podcast, Post Moves, Parker offered a masterclass in basketball analysis, breaking down exactly why the “Female Steph Curry” label doesn’t quite fit—and offering two other NBA superstars who paint a more accurate picture.
The Flaw in the Curry Comparison
During the episode, Parker pushed back against the singular Curry comparison that has followed Clark since her Iowa days. While she acknowledged the obvious similarities in shooting ability, she highlighted a fundamental difference in how they get those shots.
“I know people are quick to say Steph Curry,” Parker said. “Although I do think, range-wise, 100%. As soon as Caitlin steps in the building, she can shoot it and make it from anywhere. But Steph Curry is off the ball a lot, and Caitlin is not”.
Parker’s analysis hits on a key tactical point. The Golden State Warriors’ offense is famous for Curry’s constant movement—he gives up the ball, sprints through screens, and relocates for catch-and-shoot opportunities. In contrast, Clark operates much more as a “heliocentric” offensive engine. She dominates the ball, dictates the tempo, and creates the vast majority of her own offense off the dribble rather than running off screens away from the play.
Enter Trae Young and Steve Nash
If Clark isn’t playing “Golden State” basketball, what is she playing? Parker suggests a more modern, ball-dominant comparison: Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young.
“I think in terms of operating at a pick and roll like Trae [Young],” Parker explained, noting that like Young, Clark needs the ball in her hands to be most effective. Both players are elite pick-and-roll maestros who use the threat of their deep shooting to freeze defenses, opening up passing lanes for lobs or drives to the basket.
But Parker didn’t stop there. She added a third layer to the comparison, invoking Hall of Famer Steve Nash. She pointed to Nash’s ability to push the pace in the “secondary” break and get up fast shots before the defense is set—a hallmark of the Indiana Fever’s high-octane offense.
So, the final verdict? Parker’s “three-prong” formula for Caitlin Clark is:
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Range: Stephen Curry
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Pick-and-Roll: Trae Young
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Pace/Secondary: Steve Nash
“She’s Just C”
This nuanced breakdown comes just days after a viral controversy involving Reggie Miller, who oddly compared Clark to Celtics role player Payton Pritchard during a broadcast—a take that drew criticism from fans and fellow legends like Paul Pierce. Parker’s analysis serves as a corrective, placing Clark properly among the game’s elite offensive engines.
However, perhaps the best take came from Parker’s co-host and Clark’s teammate, Aliyah Boston. After listening to the breakdown, Boston offered a simpler conclusion.
“I don’t even want to compare her to anybody,” Boston said, dropping a metaphorical mic. “She’s just C. She’s her”.
In the end, Parker and Boston are both right. Clark borrows elements from the NBA’s greatest guards, but the way she synthesizes them is creating something entirely new for the women’s game.
