Johnson spoke highly of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, comparing their budding rivalry in the WNBA to the iconic Magic Johnson and Larry Bird rivalry in the NBA. He shared anecdotes from his own rookie days and emphasized the importance of veterans testing young players in the league. Johnson highlighted the need for teammates to support rookies like Clark on the court. He acknowledged that Clark, Reese, and other rookies would have to earn their place in the league through hard work and dedication, just like he and Bird did in the NBA.
Furthermore, Johnson discussed how the perception of player contracts has evolved over the years in the NBA, pointing out that players now have greater earning potential compared to when he started. He credited his mentor, Dr. Jerry Buss, for shaping his business acumen and suggested that Larry Bird could play a similar role for Caitlin Clark in guiding her through her career.
In conclusion, Johnson’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities that young players face in professional sports. His advice to seek guidance from experienced veterans like Bird underscores the importance of mentorship and learning from those who have paved the way before. As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, the lessons shared by Johnson serve as valuable wisdom for the next generation of basketball stars.
