The United States Olympic Basketball Committee has made several glaring mistakes over the years: Christian Laettner, the whole 2004 Men’s Team, and now in many of the fans and media’s opinion, the omission of Caitlin Clark.
Arguably the biggest name in the WNBA, whether fans like it or not, Clark has been the driving force behind the increase in league attendance and viewership.
While she has had her share of rookie season struggles, including bad shooting nights, mass turnover games, and a losing record to start the season, Clark has also had her share of expected highlights and most recently became the first rookie in WNBA history to notch a triple-double.
A Numbers Game
There has been a lot of scrutiny and coverage by media and fans as to the absence of Clark, arguably the best Iowa basketball female player ever – and to an extent her rival Angel Reese – from the USA Women’s Olympic team.
After captivating the sports world by becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and the driving force behind record-breaking viewership for the Women’s Final Four, most would consider Clark’s credentials to be undeniable.
Nonetheless, on a squad filled with a dozen well-decorated international and WNBA stars, the argument is who Clark (and Reese) would replace. Could you picture Diana Taurasi, Kelsey Plum, or Sabrina Ionescu sitting out? Or what about Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, all of which have had award-winning WNBA and International careers?
The next chapter in The Greatest Dynasty Ever.
The 2024 USA Women's National Team is here.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT x #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/BdDki5De5O
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) June 11, 2024
Substance over Style
When it comes to the Women’s program, USA Basketball tends to focus more on experience than excitement. Jen Rizzotti, Chair of the USA Selection Committee noted that “Experience was a factor…other players checked a lot more boxes.”
However at a time in which the women’s game has exploded, adding one of the most exciting players in the game, one that would help to elevate it even more with her electrifying style of play, while adding some youth to the veteran-heavy roster, wouldn’t have been a bad thing.
Caitlin Clark addresses the media in her press conference shortly after being selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Not Doing Herself Any Favors
This week, Clark found herself in a bit of controversy as the Indiana Fever, who have slowly been creeping up the standings and closer to a .500 record, battled the Minnesota Lynx for the first time this season. The Lynx, who sit tied with the Seattle Storm for third place in the WNBA standings, are coached by Cheryl Reeve, who also serves as the bench boss for the USA Women’s Olympic team.
Claiming an 81-74 victory, Clark filled the Fever box score with 17 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and a pair of steals. Although the focus should have been on the Fever’s victory, much was made of Clark picking up yet another technical foul after hitting Cecilia Zandalasini in the face after the Lynx forward grabbed her arm in an effort to stop the crafty Fever rookie.
Is a technical foul going to be the deciding factor if for any reason Clark has the opportunity to replace a potentially injured Team USA player, probably not. However, the optics of committing six turnovers, shooting 5-17 (including 2-11 from downtown), constant complaining towards officials, and the technical foul all in front of a person who could be her potential coach doesn’t really help the situation much. Speaking of technical fouls, Clark currently sits tied for second in the league with four and should she “earn” three more she will receive a one-game suspension and an $800 fine.
Following the loss, Reeve clearly stated her stance on the situation when she noted in an interview about Clark’s absence from the Olympic team roster, “Why the hell would I answer a national team question? I’m wearing Lynx gear. And I am the head coach of the national team, but I’m not the chair of the committee.”
Known for her quick reaction to calls and questionable plays by the opposition, Clark’s temperament which likely contrasts with Reeve’s demanding style of play may be one reason why the committee decided to avoid a potential clash of styles and attitude.
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) smiles as she talks with an official standing nearby in the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
One Final Audition
Although the Fever would fail to extend their winning streak to three games, dropping a 101-93 loss to the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night, Clark not only bounced back with 24 points on 10-19 shooting, and six rebounds, but she also set two WNBA records with 19 assists and had a hand in 66 of the Fever’s points, breaking Taurasi’s previous total of 65 points.
Before heading into a one-month hiatus for the Olympics, the WNBA will have their All-Star Game showcase this weekend in which the league All-Stars will battle Team USA. Clark, the leading vote-getter (700,735 votes) will have plenty of time in the spotlight when the best players in the WNBA take to the court in Phoenix.
Read more here about Caitlin Clark height, stats and records.
