Team USA’s Controversial Women’s Basketball Roster Decision: The Downside Of The Caitlin Clark Effect

Despite her impressive performance in the WNBA, she was not selected for the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team for the Paris Games. Clark has been averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists through 12 games, but her high turnover rate (5.6 per game) and the depth of experienced guards available for the Olympic roster were significant factors in her not making the team.

The U.S. Olympic team includes seasoned players such as Diana Taurasi, Chelsea Gray, and Breanna Stewart, among others. While it is disappointing for Clark, her omission from the roster may allow her some much-needed rest after a grueling schedule since the college season. There is a strong likelihood that Clark will be a part of future Olympic teams, such as the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The U.S. Olympic women's basketball roster for the Paris Games has been announced, and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is not included. Despite averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists through 12 games—impressive numbers for any WNBA point guard, especially a rookie—Clark's high turnover rate (5.6 per game) as Indiana's primary ball handler was a significant factor in her not making the team.

Clark's immense popularity and potential as a long-term WNBA star made her a strong candidate, but the deep pool of talented and experienced guards available for the Olympic roster ultimately led to her exclusion.

EDITOR'S PICKS

• Sources: Clark left off USA Basketball roster (3h)

• Clark ties rookie 3s mark en route to 30 points (17h Michael Voepel)

• Clark: 'No grudges' with Sky's Carter over foul (1d Michael Voepel)

Confirmed Olympic Roster

While USA Basketball has not officially confirmed the roster, ESPN has reported that Caitlin Clark is not included. The Athletic and The Associated Press have reported the following players as part of the squad:

• Phoenix Mercury: Guard Diana Taurasi, Center Brittney Griner, Guard/Forward Kahleah Copper

• Las Vegas Aces: Guards Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, Forward A'ja Wilson

• New York Liberty: Forward Breanna Stewart, Guard Sabrina Ionescu

• Seattle Storm: Guard Jewell Loyd

• Minnesota Lynx: Forward Napheesa Collier

• Connecticut Sun: Forward Alyssa Thomas

Historical Context

Including a WNBA rookie on the Olympic squad is not unprecedented. The U.S. did this with Diana Taurasi in 2004, Candace Parker in 2008, and Breanna Stewart in 2016. Rebecca Lobo was included on the 1996 Olympic team shortly after graduating from UConn in 1995, before the WNBA launched.

Discussion Points

Is USA Basketball missing out by not including Clark? Could it be beneficial for Clark to have a break after a continuous schedule since the start of the college season? Michael Voepel, Alexa Philippou, and Kevin Pelton weigh in:

Michael Voepel's Perspective

Clark's performance was strong enough to earn a spot, but the U.S. has the deepest talent pool in women's basketball, especially at guard this Olympic cycle. The roster includes experienced players like Taurasi, Gray, Young, Plum, Ionescu, and Loyd, with Taurasi and Sue Bird having been pillars of the backcourt for years. Additionally, players like Thomas and Copper bring versatility and defensive prowess.

Alexa Philippou's Perspective

Given the depth of the talent pool and the experience of other guards, it was unlikely Clark would make the team. Although Clark would bring excitement and future potential, the current roster decisions were based on more immediate needs and proven experience. Missing out on the Olympics may also allow Clark a necessary break to reset mentally and physically, which could benefit her in the long run.

Kevin Pelton's Perspective

Pelton would have included Clark for the experience, similar to how Sue Bird was integrated into the team in 2004. However, he acknowledges that apart from Taurasi, there are no clear candidates Clark deserved to replace. The final roster could still change due to potential injuries, with Clark being a possible late addition if needed.