Caitlin Clark’s rise from college phenom to global basketball icon has been nothing short of electric-and now, she’s adding a new dimension to her game off the court. Over the weekend, the Indiana Fever star made her broadcasting debut with NBC, joining the Sunday Night Basketball crew.
It was a big moment, not just for Clark, but for women’s basketball as a whole. But the night took an unexpected turn when Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, a fellow Indiana legend, surprised Clark with a comparison that left her visibly unimpressed.
During the broadcast, Miller was asked to compare Clark’s game to a current NBA player. With a smile, Clark leaned in, clearly anticipating a flattering parallel-maybe a Steph Curry or a Damian Lillard, names often tossed around when discussing her deep range and fearless shot-making. Instead, Miller offered up Payton Pritchard.
Yes, that Payton Pritchard.
The comparison clearly caught Clark off guard. Her smile faded, and the moment turned awkward in real time.
Miller tried to explain his reasoning, pointing to Pritchard’s knack for hitting tough, last-second shots-an area where Clark has also made her mark. But the damage was done.
Clark’s expression said it all: this wasn’t the comp she was expecting.
Now, let’s be clear-Payton Pritchard isn’t some benchwarmer. He’s the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year and a key piece of a Boston Celtics squad that’s been navigating stretches without Jayson Tatum.
Pritchard’s been stepping up in a big way, averaging 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 47 games. He’s shooting a solid 45.6% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc, and nearly 86% from the line.
Those are no-joke numbers.
He’s also had some standout performances this season, including a 29-point outing against the Sacramento Kings, which followed earlier explosions of 32 and 42 points. Perhaps most impressively, he leads the league in games with 25 or more points without attempting a single free throw-a testament to his ability to get buckets without relying on whistles.
So while the comparison might have stung in the moment, it’s not exactly a slight. Pritchard’s a high-IQ, high-effort player who’s carved out a real role on a contender. And if Clark takes a closer look, she might find more in common with him than she initially thought.
Still, it’s no secret Clark has her eyes on modeling her game after a certain Lakers superstar-someone with a little more flash, a little more gravity, and a whole lot of highlight-reel moments. That’s the kind of trajectory she’s aiming for. And judging by how quickly she’s expanded her presence from the court to the broadcast booth, she’s not just chasing greatness-she’s already living it.