Not Caitlin Clark, Michael Cooper Insists Only A’ja Wilson Can Match Lisa Leslie

Michael Cooper, a former Los Angeles Lakers star and coach, has evaluated Caitlin Clark's position in the WNBA, noting that while Clark has significantly increased the league's global popularity with her exceptional shooting range, she is not yet considered the most talented player in its history. After two seasons, Clark has displayed moments of brilliance but struggles with consistency and has been hampered by injuries, limiting her overall progress.

Cooper explicitly stated that Clark does not measure up to legendary players like Lisa Leslie, whom he coached with the Los Angeles Sparks, and he does not view her as on the path to becoming the greatest of all time (GOAT). He highlighted Leslie's all-around skills, including strong defense, rebounding, and three-point shooting, as well as her role as a back-to-the-basket center, which set her apart from Clark, who is primarily a shooter.

In his comparison, Cooper identified current MVP A'ja Wilson as the modern-day equivalent to Leslie, praising Wilson for her achievements, such as leading the Las Vegas Aces to three championships in four years and earning four league MVP awards. He emphasized that Wilson has already cemented her status as one of the best in WNBA history, making her a fitting peer to Leslie in terms of dominance and impact.

While Cooper acknowledged Clark's potential and rising trajectory, he stressed that she is still developing and has not reached the elite tier occupied by Leslie and Wilson. He suggested that with continued growth, improved consistency, and better health, Clark could eventually enter the conversation among the greats, but for now, she is chasing rather than replacing these legends.