Remember when Caitlin Clark was shockingly left off the United States Women’s National Team roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics? Yeah, that decision is aging worse than an open carton of milk. As the Olympics creep closer, the snub looks increasingly baffling and laughable.
Clark, the basketball prodigy who’s been dominating headlines for the past two years, was inexplicably overlooked. While she’s been shouldering the weight of the WNBA’s surging popularity, Team USA decided to pass on her, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads.
At the time of the roster announcement, Clark was just finding her groove in the WNBA. Fast forward a few months, and the 2024 No. 1 overall pick has more than settled in—she’s thriving and proving why she was hyped as one of the best prospects ever.
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The Blunder That Keeps Getting Worse
The uproar over Clark’s exclusion from Team USA was twofold: TV ratings and her future role as the face of USA Basketball. “The Clark Effect” has been a driving force behind the WNBA’s popularity boom. Many argued that Team USA missed a golden opportunity to leverage that global stage spotlight.
Oddly, the discussion rarely touched on her actual on-court impact. Sure, there were whispers about her early struggles in the pro league, but no one seriously doubted her talent. Now, with the 2024 Paris Olympics nearing, it’s evident that even a 22-year-old Clark would’ve added value to the team—especially considering Team USA’s history of dominance with seven consecutive gold medals and nine out of twelve overall.
Yet, USA Basketball opted for a veteran-heavy squad, leaving Clark to watch from home. Since that fateful June 11 decision, Clark has silenced any remaining skeptics by excelling in the WNBA. Her stats have skyrocketed in nearly every major category, showing off her true potential.
| Pre-Olympics Roster Announcement | Post-Olympics Roster Announcement |
|---|---|
| 13 GP | 11 GP |
| 16.3 PPG | 17.5 PPG |
| 6.0 APG | 10.0 APG |
| 4.9 RPG | 7.1 RPG |
| 1.5 SPG | 1.5 SPG |
| 0.8 BPG | 1.0 BPG |
| 5.4 TOV | 5.7 TOV |
| 37.3 FG% | 43.9 FG% |
| 33.0 3P% | 35.2 3P% |
Clark now leads the league in total assists, ranks third in three-pointers made, and is in the top ten for total points and steals. Not to mention, she’s the first rookie in WNBA history to notch a triple-double. Her playmaking and shooting prowess could’ve been game-changers for Team USA, even if only in a limited role.
Is There Still Hope for Clark in Paris?
Clark’s only remaining shot at the 2024 Paris Olympics hinges on her becoming an injury replacement. The Fever star, along with Sun center Brionna Jones, was mentioned as an unofficial alternate back when the roster was announced.
As the Games approach, three injuries on the current roster warrant attention. Veteran guard Diana Taurasi has been sidelined with back and lower leg injuries. If Taurasi can’t play, Clark could step in. However, Taurasi is chasing several Olympic records and may still travel to Paris, even if just as a bench supporter.
Other potential openings could arise from injuries to Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and Mercury center Brittney Griner. Collier has been out since July 4 with a foot injury, and Griner suffered a hip injury on July 12. If either can’t compete, Clark might get the call, although Jones is a more likely replacement for these frontcourt players.
In conclusion, the Caitlin Clark Team USA snub is a decision that just keeps looking worse. With her stellar WNBA performances, the argument for her inclusion in the Olympics roster grows stronger. Let’s see if fate (or injuries) gives her the chance to shine on the global stage.
