The WNBA's introduction of the "gravity" metric has sparked a fresh wave of analysis on Caitlin Clark's game, drawing inevitable comparisons to NBA legend Stephen Curry. Despite Clark's reputation as one of the league's most dynamic scorers and playmakers, her overall gravity rating stands at a modest 3.9—well outside the top 10. The metric measures a player's ability to draw defenders both on and off the ball. While Clark excels with the ball in her hands, her off-ball impact trails significantly, a deficiency that analyst Rachel DeMita explains using Curry as the benchmark.
"I thought this was so interesting because Caitlin Clark is far down this list. I think when we think about gravity, we think that she is the number one player, because how many teams shift their defenses to adapt to Caitlin?" DeMita said. The analyst broke down Clark's numbers: her on-ball perimeter gravity is a stellar 5.3, among the highest in the league. But her off-ball perimeter gravity drops to 2.9, and interior off-ball gravity is even lower. This disparity is the crux of the difference between Clark and a player like Steph Curry, who maintains relentless movement without the ball.
Steph Curry's off-ball game is legendary. He sets screens, curls around picks, and uses his constant motion to create chaos for defenders. His threat from anywhere beyond the arc forces teams to stay glued to him, even when he doesn't have the ball. Clark, by contrast, still relies heavily on pick-and-roll situations to draw defenders. She is a work in progress off the ball, a reality reflected in the numbers. The Indiana Fever have begun using Clark in more off-ball sets, hoping to develop that aspect of her game, but it remains a weakness compared to her peerless on-ball gravity.
The gravity metric combines four components: perimeter on-ball, interior on-ball, perimeter off-ball, and interior off-ball. Clark's on-ball gravity (both perimeter and interior) is elite, but her off-ball interior gravity is particularly poor. This means opponents are less worried about her cutting to the basket or positioning herself near the rim without the ball. In contrast, players like Sonia Citron (10.8 off-ball perimeter gravity) and Marina Mabrey (9.5) excel in that area. For Clark, the challenge is to add off-ball movement to her arsenal without sacrificing her effectiveness as a primary ball handler.
Interestingly, Clark is not even the highest-ranked player on her own team in overall gravity. Teammates Kelsey Mitchell (5.9) and Sophie Cunningham (4.8) both surpass her. Mitchell's perimeter off-ball gravity (7.6) dwarfs Clark's, while Cunningham also outperforms her in that category. Yet Clark remains the Fever's leading scorer (23.8 points per game) and assist leader (9.0 assists per game), underscoring that gravity is just one measure of value. Her on-ball dominance forces defenses to collapse, creating opportunities for teammates even when her own off-ball numbers are lower.
The comparison to Curry offers both a compliment and a challenge. Clark's shooting range, ball-handling, and court vision are already NBA-like. But Curry's evolution into a master of off-ball movement took years of refinement. He learned to read defenses without the ball, to use screens intelligently, and to keep his defender guessing even when he is not the primary option. Clark has the talent to reach that level, but it requires a shift in mindset and skill development. The Fever's offensive schemes will need to incorporate more off-ball actions for Clark, perhaps using her as a decoy or a cutter to keep defenders honest.
Analysts point out that Clark's rookie season was historic, shattering rookie records and drawing unprecedented attention to the WNBA. In her third season, the league has adjusted, throwing double-teams and complex coverages at her. The gravity metric clarifies why some defenses succeed: they can focus on containing Clark on the ball while sagging off her when she is away from the play. Until Clark develops a reliable off-ball threat—either through cutting, screening, or relocating—her overall gravity will stay limited. Steph Curry's greatness lies not just in his shooting, but in his constant activity; Clark has the work ethic to add that dimension.
Contextualizing the metric further, the WNBA's top gravity players include forwards and guards who excel in movement away from the ball. Players like A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart score high due to their ability to draw defenders both in the post and on the perimeter. Clark, primarily a point guard, naturally spends more time with the ball. But as the league evolves, the best players must be threats everywhere. Clark's low ranking is not a condemnation; it is a roadmap. She is already one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league, and adding off-ball gravity would make her virtually unstoppable.
DeMita's analysis echoes a broader conversation about how to measure impact in basketball. Traditional stats like points, assists, and plus-minus don't capture the gravitational pull that creates open shots for others. The new metric provides a clearer picture, and for Clark, it highlights a clear area for growth. Her teammates Mitchell and Cunningham, while less flashy, have developed the off-ball instincts that Clark is still honing. As the Fever integrate more off-ball sets, expect Clark's numbers to rise. The potential is there; it now requires consistent execution.
In the broader context of women's basketball, Clark's journey mirrors that of many young superstars. The transition from college to pro often involves learning to play without the ball. In college, Clark was the system; in the WNBA, she shares the floor with other talented players. Learning to maximize off-ball gravity is the next step in her evolution. The Stephen Curry comparison, while intimidating, is also aspirational. Curry did not start as the off-ball menace he is today; he grew into it through experience and adaptation. Clark, at only 24, has time to do the same.
The Indiana Fever's current season sees them competing for a playoff spot, and Clark's development off the ball will be crucial. Her teammates have noticed her efforts in practice, working on curls, screens, and relocation shooting. As she adds these elements, the gravity metric will reflect the improvement. For now, the numbers tell a story of a player who is still writing her legacy. The gap between her and Curry is real, but so is her potential to close it.
Source: Yahoo Sports News