Caitlin Clark vs A'ja Wilson: Ex-Laker uses Steph Curry-Kevin Durant example to explain Fever star's mass appeal

Despite only being a rookie, Caitlin Clark has already broken through as one of the most recognizable names in the WNBA. As she prepares for her second year in the pros, one former NBA player gave his take on her rapid growth.

While on "The Rich Eisen Show," Jim Jackson touched on the debate between Clark and A'ja Wilson. Specifically, how the Indiana Fever guard has been a more marketable player. The former Lakers forward agrees that Wilson might be the better player, but Clark is the bigger name because the market resonates with her more.

Jackson later went on to use an NBA example for his argument for Caitlin Clark. He compared her to Steph Curry in that she might not be the best player, but has emerged as the biggest draw in the market compared to someone like Kevin Durant.

"It's a reason why Steph Curry, who may not be the best player, but he draws differently," Jackson said. "He can be marketed differently than other players. Some players who may be considered better, maybe a Kevin Durant."

"A'ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA, but Caitlin is more marketable because people tend to resonate."

Clark has broken into mainstream sports fandom following her historic run in college and rookie season in the WNBA. Her notoriety reached new heights earlier this month when Time Magazine chose her for Athlete of the Year for 2024.

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Draymond Green feels A'ja Wilson is more marketable star than Caitlin Clark

While Jim Jackson sided with Caitlin Clark in this debate, a current NBA player has a different take on the two WNBA stars. Draymond Green strongly feels that A'ja Wilson is one of the best things the product has going for them right now.

Back in June, the Golden State Warriors forward discussed Caitlin Clark and Wilson on his podcast. He did not deny that the Indiana Fever guard has helped grow the WNBA, but he feels Wilson is the more marketable of the two.

""I think A'ja Wilson is as marketable as anybody in the WNBA, but you have to figure out how to market the product," Green said. "I think y'all got a gold mine in the WNBA sitting right there, marketable as anybody in A'ja Wilson and haven't figured out how to make it go. Ain't A'ja fault. A'ja got a lot about her that is as marketable as can be."

Wilson, a former No. 1 pick in her own right, is arguably the most talented player in the WNBA right now. She is fresh off winning her third MVP in five years, won MVP in the Olympics and set a new single-season scoring record all in 2024.