We are currently experiencing a time where the most exceptional athletes in their respective sports are either retiring or making their mark on history. The influence of recent events is causing a bias that is prevalent in the early stages of 2020. This month, we have witnessed the rise of Patrick Mahomes and Caitlin Clark as the most outstanding players in their fields.
On Sunday, Mahomes orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the Super Bowl, creating a sense of certainty that he would lead his team to victory. Similarly, on Thursday night, Clark made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women’s college basketball. These performances were so captivating that they have overshadowed our ability to maintain perspective.
This bias towards recent events is powerful. Thankfully, responsible NFL authorities have refrained from comparing Mahomes to Brady until after his Super Bowl triumph. On the other hand, supporters and critics of Clark have engaged in a debate regarding her status as the greatest player in women’s college basketball history. However, it is essential that we return to reality.
The belief that the latest athletes are the greatest is a recurring phenomenon. We are always inclined to think that our era possesses the most exceptional talents. This will remain true even if, in the future, Caleb Williams challenges Mahomes. While the game may evolve, the relative nature of sports remains constant. Mahomes plays in a league where defensive backs cannot be as physical with receivers as they once were.
We must acknowledge Mahomes’ achievements with respect, but we cannot overlook the fact that Brady has accomplished three times as much. At his current pace, Mahomes is not projected to surpass Brady until his 17th season. Although Mahomes may never reach Brady’s numbers, the significance of his first six years cannot be denied. In the 1980s, Marino and Montana were considered the greatest, and in the early 2000s, Peyton Manning was considered superior to Brady.
On the other hand, Clark does not possess the championships to validate her position. She has been an exceptional scorer and playmaker, utilizing her skills behind the arc in an era that maximizes her strengths. However, it is possible that in four years, we will be having the same conversation about another talented player. The ongoing discussions among Iowa fans and digital communities have overshadowed Clark’s senior year, dragging the basketball stars of the past into the argument. Sheryl Swoopes unintentionally became involved when she made innocent comments about Clark.
Players like Chamique Holdsclaw often get forgotten in history. Personally, I remember watching Candace Parker dominate her opponents on both ends of the court, leading her team to two national titles and earning a pair of Wooden Awards. History is shaped by those who emerge victorious. Parker, Cheryl Miller, and Breanna Stewart are all part of the conversation due to their individual talents and numerous national titles. Even Swoopes has an advantage over Clark as an offensive force on non-traditional powerhouse teams. Swoopes’ incredible performance of scoring 47 points to win the national championship in ’93 is undoubtedly one of the most impressive endings to a career in the Tournament. Clark still has unfinished business if she wants to surpass Swoopes in any greatest of all time debate.
However, it is a shame that Brittany Griner’s name is rarely mentioned in the debate of the greatest women’s basketball players. This may be due to a tendency to criticize tall players, especially those who played in a style that was not aesthetically pleasing and disrupted the dominance of Tennessee and UConn. Big players often receive less recognition, but Griner had it all. Despite only winning one national title, her achievements throughout her four-year career were overshadowed. It is worth noting that UConn and Tennessee won 9 out of the 11 national titles during that period.
If Griner had attended either of those schools, Breanna Stewart would have been chasing her records. Clark’s impressive career scoring record, with a .613 career effective field goal percentage, reflects the influence of the Steph Curry era in basketball. However, Griner finished her career as the second all-time leading scorer, behind Jackie Stiles, and shot-blocking was her most valuable skill. As a freshman, she rejected more shots in a single season than anyone else and ended that season with a remarkable 14-block performance against Georgetown.
Watching Griner dominate her opponents was akin to witnessing a prime Wilt Chamberlain tearing through Philadelphia, San Francisco, and that unforgettable night in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our attention spans may be shorter than ever, but the concept of the greatest of all time requires us to look beyond the present moment. Let’s give Clark the opportunity to prove herself in the NCAA Tournament. Both Clark and Mahomes deserve to be part of the conversation, but let’s refrain from making premature proclamations that may lead to embarrassment.
According to the Source deadspin.com