As the 2024 Olympics loom large, Team USA finds itself in a pickle over the availability of one of its brightest women’s basketball stars. And no, this isn’t your typical “take two aspirin and call me in the morning” kind of injury saga.
Diana Taurasi, the indomitable six-time Olympian, has found herself sidelined with a leg injury, missing three of the Phoenix Mercury’s last four games. Her injury is serious enough to keep her benched for Friday’s showdown against the Indiana Fever. This turn of events has thrown a wrench in the works for Team USA, casting a shadow of doubt over Taurasi’s participation in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
But every cloud has a silver lining, and in this case, it might just be Caitlin Clark. Clark, who was rather controversially named an alternate despite her stellar performance, could finally get her chance to shine on the Olympic stage.
Clark has been nothing short of sensational in her rookie WNBA season. With an average of 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, she’s been a powerhouse on the court. She’s not just making waves; she’s creating tsunamis, having been named an All-Star and securing the league’s first rookie triple-double. Yet, her omission from the main Olympic roster has sparked debates hotter than a summer sidewalk.
Casey Wasserman, the big cheese of the 2028 Olympic Organizing Committee in Los Angeles, didn’t mince words, calling Clark’s exclusion a “missed opportunity” and praising her as a generational talent. And he’s not alone in this sentiment.
Even the great Diana Taurasi has weighed in on Clark’s rollercoaster journey. Initially, Taurasi had thrown a bit of shade, suggesting that Clark and her fellow 2024 rookies would face a harsh reality check against seasoned pros. During the pre-draft process, Taurasi remarked, “reality is coming” for the newbies.
However, in a twist worthy of a sports drama, Taurasi has since lauded Clark’s incredible feats. “It’s amazing what Caitlin’s been able to do in her short career so far,” Taurasi admitted. “It’s been nothing short of remarkable. What she’s done for the game has been pretty incredible, and having that momentum coming out of college, eyes on you for four years straight.”
So, as Taurasi nurses her injury, the spotlight shifts to Clark. Will she seize this golden opportunity to dazzle on the Olympic stage, or will the pressure prove too much for the rookie sensation? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Caitlin Clark’s story is far from over, and the world will be watching with bated breath.