Since making her WNBA debut, Caitlin Clark has created an unintentional but constant conversation about her presence and place in women’s basketball.
Friday, in an 85-83 victory over the Washington Mystics, Clark led her Indiana Fever team with 30 points, including seven three-pointers on 8-for-15 from the field, in the Fever’s two-point victory. Adding eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals, it was Clark’s second 30-point effort of the season thus far, the other on May 28 against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Saturday morning, the USA women’s Olympic team for Paris’ 2024 Games was announced. Clark was not one of the names listed.
While the casual fan would look at the roster and assume that Clark is a glaring snub, an intricate look of those in the know says otherwise.
Clark has made the casual basketball fans who’ve never watched a minute of women’s basketball now tune in. The impact that she, as well as fellow WNBA rookie Angel Reese, have had on women’s basketball in the past year has been astronomical, providing other players with a platform and attention seldom seen.
But for as good as Clark is, she is not at the level yet to take, or deserve a spot. Nor has she put the time in. Like an A’ja Wilson, the league’s resident Most Valuable, and best, player. Like a Breanna Stewart, who is a five-time WNBA All-Star. Sabrina Ionescu is a two-time All-Star. Kelsey Plum is a two-time champion and All-Star. Jewell Lloyd is a five-time All-Star and two-time champion (and one-time scoring leader). Chelsea Gray, five All-Star appearances and three championships, is one of the league’s best floor generals. Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun is a triple-double maestro, Kahleah Copper a three-time All-Star and champion (with a Finals MVP award). Napheesa Collier is a three-time All-Star who brings a defensive presence, Jackie Young is a two-time All-Star and champion. Brittney Griner is there for size. Diana Taurasi is there for leadership, a reward and ode to a legend for being one of the game’s all-time greatest.
That last term - “all-time greatest” - can often now be seen as hyperbole. In the case of Taurasi though, it is legitimate. 10 All-Star games, three rings and an MVP, and a 19.1 point per game average over her career speak to that. In 11 games so far this season through June 8, the 42-year-old is holding her own, averaging 16.3 points. She is part of the 2024 squad as much as the reason why Kobe Bryant was part of the men’s team in 2008, the veteran presence, the stabilizer. Bryant, 30 years old in 2008, was still in his basketball prime. Taurasi is not, but the reason for being on the team does not change.
So, where does Clark fit in all of this? Does she have the talent? Definitely. Does she have the potential? Definitely. She is going to be a superstar. Just like Reese will be.
But Clark is 22. A rookie. Is she one of the best players in the WNBA? Sure. But she is not one of the 12 best right now. Giving her a spot on the team when there are better and more established players who have put time in would be a disservice, something akin to a charity, a prime agenda to rush her to greatness.
There will be at least three more opportunities for Clark to represent the United States at the highest level of international competition. Maybe a fourth if she can have the longevity in the sport. Arike Ogunbowale, a guard for the Dallas Wings who has shocked the game with her own perimeter shooting and shot-making throughout her career (26.6 points per game this season), also did not make the team. She arguably, and probably is, a bigger snub than Clark. Ogunbowale led the league in scoring in just her second season in 2020 and has made the All-Star Game three times, was MVP of one, and has been First Team All-WNBA once.
Clark’s time will happen. Now just is not it.
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