Reggie Miller drew flak for telling Caitlin Clark that she reminds him of Payton Pritchard . While he meant no harm — Clark even ended up thanking him for his words — the Indiana Fever superstar was taken aback when the Boston Celtics guard's name was brought up.
Paul Pierce , meanwhile, feels Miller's player comparison of Clark was "an embarrassment," suggesting that Clark herself was expecting to be likened to a more prominent player — and rightfully so.
"She had the look of like, 'Bro, I was thinking more Steph Curry ,' because of her magnetic pull. They're not doubling him everywhere, face-guarding, denying him like they do herm like they do Steph. Did you see her at the USA game, where they were picking her up full?" said Pierce on the "No Fouls Given" podcast.
Skillset-wise, most feel Miller's comparison is justified.
Pritchard has elite ball-handling, and so does Clark. The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year is a great 3-point shooter — 35.2 percent this season, 39.1 percent for his career — and has the uncanny ability to knock down logo threes, even half-court heaves.
That said, as good as Payton's offensive package is, he does not draw the same defensive attention as Clark does.
Pierce might have used the wrong example, though, as he referenced Kelsey Plum guarding Clark full-court during a Team USA vs. WNBA All-Star game — that was more of a personal dislike than a professional strategy. Still, based on how WNBA teams defend Clark, they treat her more like Stephen Curry than Pritchard.
"He doesn't lead the team in scoring," the Celtics legend added. "I love Payton, that's my little brother. Her gravitational pull is on the same level as Steph's in the WNBA."
That magnetic pull Pierce mentioned isn't just in how she attracts defenders.
Clark is more than just an elite basketball player — she's what Michael Jordan was to the NBA in the 1980s. She's not only a star who impacts wins on the court; she has become the face of the league, elevating the WNBA to a whole new level. That's why comparing her to Pritchard felt less like a compliment and more like a misstep.
Club 520's Jeff Teague probably said it best.
"He probably should've said Steph Curry. She said 'one of one' and he named Payton Pritchard," he said . "I love that, Reg."
There's no questioning Pritchard's talent. But basketball isn't just about skills. Pritchard is a good NBA player, but he isn't even the best player on his own team. Clark, on the other hand, isn't just a superstar — she's the face of the WNBA.
When it comes to star power, it's a clear distinction: Caitlin is truly one of a kind. Reggie likely meant no disrespect, but there's simply no comparing her to Payton.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
