The decision to exclude Caitlin Clark from the U.S. women’s basketball team for the Paris Olympics was the correct one, both for the team and for Clark herself.
While Clark undoubtedly possesses star power that could have attracted more attention to the women’s basketball tournament, the Olympics are not about accolades for mere participation. They are about assembling the strongest team possible, and as difficult as it may be for her fans to accept, Clark is not currently among the top 12 U.S. players.
Her high turnover rate, well above anyone else in the WNBA, would likely pose a significant challenge at the Olympics, where she would be playing with teammates she hasn’t had the opportunity to develop chemistry with.
Clark has never practiced with the senior national team, missing the final training camp due to prior commitments with her college team. Moreover, her defensive skills are still a work in progress, which could potentially make her a liability on the international stage.
The U.S. women’s team has a history of dominance in the Olympics, but this also means that the pressure is high, with every opponent aiming to dethrone them. Given the stakes involved and the depth of talent available, there was simply no room to accommodate Clark solely for publicity purposes.
Clark herself expressed no disappointment, understanding the competitiveness of the selection process. Moreover, she doesn’t need the added pressure of the Olympics at this point in her career. Instead, she needs time to rest and recuperate.
Having played non-stop basketball for the past 15 months, Clark is in dire need of a break to recharge physically and mentally. With her hectic schedule and the immense pressure she faces, a period of rest will be immensely beneficial for her.
While missing out on Paris may serve as motivation for Clark, her primary focus should be on self-care and improvement. There will undoubtedly come a time when the U.S. women’s team will need her, but for now, getting some much-needed rest is the best course of action for both Clark and Team USA.