Kelsey Mitchell Compares Caitlin Clark's Arrival to LeBron James Hype, and Iowa Fans Are Loving It

Iowa native Caitlin Clark has been turning heads since she entered the WNBA, but her own teammate just made a comparison that has basketball fans talking. Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell says Clark's arrival to the league reminded her of none other than NBA superstar LeBron James.

In an interview with SLAM magazine, Mitchell looked back on Clark's first days with the Fever and admitted she had never seen anything like the crowds that followed the rookie guard, especially during a preseason game in Iowa.

What Did Kelsey Mitchell Say About Caitlin Clark?

Mitchell was candid about the buzz surrounding Clark when she first joined the team. The preseason stop in Iowa, Clark's home state, left a lasting impression.

When she first got here, and we had to go play the preseason game in Iowa, I was like, 'Bro, this is like some LeBron [expletive].' I couldn't believe it. Hats off to the GOAT, LeBron James, but, I'm just saying! To see the limelight, and the people and the stuff, I'm in awe of CC every time because it's like she handled it so well.

Mitchell also praised Clark's work ethic and professional approach, saying, She wants to be great, and I think that's another reason we can be great together.

WNBA Fans React to the LeBron James Comparison

The comparison split basketball fans online. Some loved hearing Mitchell speak so highly of her teammate.

I love this! one fan wrote. Another praised the Fever's backcourt, writing, We are blessed to have such an elite backcourt of ballers that truly ride for each other..best backcourt in [the world].

But not everyone bought the comparison. One WNBA observer questioned whether Mitchell had always felt this way about Clark, writing, I think Kelsey gaslighting a lil bit lol. She really didn't [expletive] with CC at all. It was Boston the one who took CC in. Kelsey had to feel her out n see what's up lol.

Another fan went after Clark's resume, writing, Fabricated hype.. no rings at any level to back her greatness up.

Others pushed back on that criticism by pointing to what Clark has already done for the Fever and the league: This is why so many hate Clark, she brought the eyes and the cash to the W!!

Caitlin Clark's Impact on the WNBA by the Numbers

Beyond the comparisons, Clark's impact has been visible from the start. She entered the WNBA as the No. 1 pick in 2024 and won Rookie of the Year after averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Clark set records for most points (769), most assists (337), and most three-pointers (122) by a rookie in a single season. Her arrival also helped the league set records for viewership, attendance, merchandise sales, and digital engagement.

Clark and Mitchell Form One of the League's Top Duos

This season, Clark and Mitchell have become one of the league's biggest scoring duos. Clark is averaging 22.8 points and 8.5 assists per game, while Mitchell is averaging 25.0 points.

The pair set a league record by combining for 516 points over a 10-game stretch in August.

During Tuesday's clash against the Minnesota Lynx, Mitchell scored 20 points while Clark had 27 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds as Indiana stunned the top-seeded Lynx 96-77.

What's Next for the Indiana Fever?

Indiana's win over Minnesota kept its home-court hopes alive, but the Fever still needs some help. The Atlanta Dream is 29-14 with one game left, meaning they can lock up fourth place with a win over the New York Liberty on Wednesday.

If Atlanta loses, Indiana can move into a tie for fourth by beating Minnesota again on Thursday, as the Fever holds the tiebreaker over the Dream.

For Iowa fans who followed Clark from her days at the University of Iowa, seeing her thrive on the biggest stage is no surprise. And with Mitchell's bold comparison, the basketball world is taking notice of just how far the former Hawkeye has come.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.