Sue Bird encourages Caitlin Clark to go pro: WNBA legend says Iowa senior could be instant All-Star as a rookie

What’s next for Caitlin Clark?

The buzz surrounding the Iowa star’s future continues to intensify as the games remaining in her senior season dwindle. The Iowa star has poured baskets in from across Carver-Hawkeye Arena over the past four seasons. Could a fifth one be on the horizon?

Clark’s choice is yet to be revealed. But there’s a number of basketball enthusiasts hoping to see her take her talents to the next level.

One member of that group is WNBA legend Sue Bird. The retired Storm star offered her insights into Clark’s trajectory in an episode of Richard Deitsch’s “Sports Media Podcast,” which will be available Thursday.

Bird’s conclusion? If she were Clark, she would take the leap and join the WNBA ranks rather than stay another year at Iowa.

“If I am Caitlin Clark, I am coming out of college,” Bird said.

The Fever hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, and Clark is widely projected to be selected first overall — if she goes pro. And with 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston also on the team, Indiana offers “a really good roster” for Clark, Bird said.

Plus, Clark possesses the talent required to earn an All-Star nod in her very first season, according to Bird.

“I think if she plays up to her potential, yes, that’s realistic,” Bird said. “And, by…