NBA fans aghast at Bill Simmons saying Caitlin Clark is a bigger under-30 star than any male: "Is he not aware of Ant?" 

Over the past two years, Caitlin Clark has become one of the biggest names in basketball following her historic college career and rookie season. While many have applauded what she's done for the women's game, fans recently pushed back on some comments about her growing stardom.

During a recent episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons reflected on Clark and what she's been able to do from a stardom standpoint. He admitted to watching very little women's college basketball prior to her, but her Iowa tenure changed his mind. Simmons then went a step further and said Clark is a bigger name than any NBA star under 30 years old.

Following this remark, fans proceeded to name countless NBA players equally or more famous than Caitlin Clark. One of the most common players mentioned was Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.

As expected, many fans accused Simmons of spouting this hot take for views on the internet. One of the main arguments brought up against his stance is that NBA players are still more known around the world.

"She has 0 global brand for now. Awful take. Maybe one day, but not close at the moment." One fan said.

"Take Clark and Giannis to China let’s see who’s bigger." Another fan said.

"What is bro even talking bout?? Nobody in china rocking a Clark jersey," Said one fan.

---

NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks on Caitlin Clark's rapid growth in popularity

Bill Simmons is not the only person to go out of their way to praise Caitlin Clark as of late. NBA commissioner Adam Silver also shared his thoughts on the Indiana Fever guard and what she's done for the WNBA as a whole.

In a rare turn of events, Indiana will host the NBA and WNBA All-Star games within a year of each other. Ahead of the women's festivities taking place in the famous basketball town, Silver touched on Clark's emergence last season.

"Caitlin Clark set the world on fire, not just this community," Silver said. "People are seeing how deep this league is. I jokingly said this league is a 28-year overnight sensation."

Clark entered the WNBA with massive expectations and managed to deliver one of the best rookie seasons in women's history. Along with being an All-Star and getting her team to the playoffs, she broke a litany of records in the process.

There is no denying that Clark has managed to break into the mainstream in terms of popularity. Comparing her to NBA stars might be a stretch, but she isn't far behind her male counterparts.