Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Durant, an accomplished Olympian, provides supportive words for rookie Caitlin Clark following her omission from the USA Women’s Basketball team for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
– Clark’s inexperience in the WNBA, having played only 16 games by mid-June 2024, likely contributed to her exclusion from the 12-player squad.
– While overlooked for the main team, Clark may have the opportunity to play as an alternate.
One of Team USA Basketball’s most recognized Olympians, Kevin Durant, recently offered some seasoned insight into Caitlin Clark’s absence from the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics. The celebrated NBA star took a mild yet straightforward stance in a Wall Street Journal interview, supporting the rookie’s verve while acknowledging the necessity for more experience. Durant’s insight followed Team USA’s decision to leave the Indiana Fever sensation out of the 12 women flying to Paris in early August.
Durant’s Words of Wisdom
During his dialogue with the Wall Street Journal, Durant recognized Clark’s potential for future inclusion: “I think she’s definitely going to be on one of these teams going forward,” he stated. Durant emphasized Clark’s need to persistently perform to learn the ropes: “But Caitlin’s just gotta continue to keep showing up every day.”
WNBA Inexperience Weighs Clark Down
A report by Shams Charania of The Athletic revealed the selection committee’s preference for talent proven at the WNBA level over rookie Clark. Despite showcasing incredible ability in her short tenure, Clark’s relative inexperience in the league may have tipped the scale against her. Having only 16 WNBA games under her belt could indeed raise doubts about her readiness for high-stakes international competition.
Furthermore, the timing of her college season gave Clark no chance to participate at a senior national team camp this cycle. This absence may have led to questions about her ability to blend seamlessly with the existing team chemistry. The committee’s decision also considered Clark’s slow start to her WNBA season.
Hopeful Spot for Clark as an Alternate
Despite the initial disappointment, Clark might yet get a chance to sport the USA jersey in Paris. Charania’s report hinted that the selection committee might consider Clark as an alternate. This role opens the possibility for Clark to step in if any of the chosen team members bow out due to unforeseen circumstances, such as injury.
Curiously, one such possibility hovers around Chelsea Gray. The leading point guard has been sidelined due to a lower-leg injury sustained during the 2023 WNBA Finals. Despite her participation at the U.S. Olympic training camp in Cleveland, Gray’s availability remains unknown.
The USA team heading for the Paris Olympics consists of confirmed players Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Alyssa Thomas, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young. Meanwhile, Clark and her fans will wait eagerly to see if she will join this impressive line-up as an alternate.
In conclusion, while the initial omission may seem like a setback for Caitlin Clark, her possible inclusion as an alternate coupled with Durant’s encouraging words might spur her on to greater heights. As Durant noted, keeping up consistent performance is the key, and Clark’s future on the team looks promising.