Caitlin Clark Left Off Olympic Team The Right Move for Everyone

Leaving Caitlin Clark Off Olympic Team: Right Move for Everyone

Leaving Caitlin Clark off the roster for the Paris Olympics was the correct decision for both Team USA and Clark herself. While Clark’s presence would undoubtedly have increased attention on the women’s basketball tournament, the Olympics are about showcasing the best players, and right now, Clark isn’t one of the top 12 in the U.S.

Clark’s high turnover rate in the WNBA, with a total of 67 turnovers and an average of 5.6 per game, is a significant concern. This issue could be exacerbated at the Olympics, where she would be passing to teammates she hasn’t developed chemistry with. Clark hasn’t even practiced with the senior national team; she missed the final training camp due to Iowa’s Final Four run.

Team USA’s Decision for Paris

Clark’s defensive skills are still developing, making her a potential liability. The international game’s physicality, tougher than the WNBA, would pose another challenge for her. Despite Team USA’s dominance, winning seven consecutive Olympic titles, their February game against Belgium, where they narrowly won with a buzzer-beater, shows the competition is fierce.

With Belgium and Tokyo silver medalist Japan in their group, Team USA couldn’t afford to include Clark just for publicity. The talent pool ahead of her is too deep, and the stakes are too high.

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Clark’s Perspective 

Clark herself acknowledged the competition. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world,” she said. She expressed no disappointment, understanding the reasons behind her exclusion.

This decision benefits Clark too. Her schedule has been grueling, with Iowa’s back-to-back title games and a European trip leaving her with only two months off in the last 15 months. Her WNBA introduction has been equally intense, with the Indiana Fever playing 11 games in 20 days and Clark leading in minutes played.

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Clark carries a significant burden, being the focal point of defenses and the center of national attention. Few athletes, aside from LeBron James and Lionel Messi, understand the pressure she faces. Clark is expected to not only perform but also elevate women’s basketball and advocate for women’s sports.

In ESPN’s “Full Court Press” docuseries, Clark shared the difficulties of always being in the spotlight. Despite handling it with grace, she desperately needs the Olympic break. This time off will allow her to rest, train, and develop chemistry with her Fever teammates, something their packed schedule hasn’t allowed.

Rest for Clark, Benefits for Team USA

Clark’s high turnover rate is partly due to the Fever’s young team still building chemistry. A break will provide a much-needed opportunity for rest and improvement. “I’ve loved competing every single second, but it’s going to be a great month for my body to, first of all, get rest and get healthy,” Clark said. She looks forward to finding peace and quiet, hitting the weight room, and working on skills she couldn’t focus on during the transition from college to professional basketball.

Missing out on the Olympics will also serve as motivation for Clark. Upon learning she didn’t make the team, Clark told Fever coach Christie Sides, “Coach, they woke a monster.”

Ultimately, there will be a time when Team USA needs Clark. For now, the best way she can contribute is by resting and preparing for future opportunities.