The decision not to include Caitlin Clark on the Olympic team left plenty of people feeling some kind of way, but three-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant seemed to agree with Team USA’s decision to leave the women’s basketball star at home.
Speaking to Wall Street Journal’s editor-in-chief Emma Tucker, Durant addressed the decision about Clark while expressly saying she would make future Olympic rosters.
“I still think there are proper steps you gotta take in our world to be considered an Olympian,” Durant said during the sitdown. “I think she’s gonna definitely be on one of these teams going forward, but right now, there are better candidates out there, I think.”
The perceived snubbing of Clark from the Olympic roster caused a massive reaction and debate, like anything related to the former Iowa standout since she was drafted first overall in this year’s WNBA draft.
USA Basketball went with a heavy veteran roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics that includes Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, along with A’ja Wilson, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper.
Clark’s time in the WNBA has been dominated by constant debate and grandstanding over her treatment by her fellow players in the league and whether they’re jealous over the attention she’s been receiving.
On the court, Clark has undeniably helped raise the profile of the WNBA and has flashed some of her signature skills that made her a must-see player in college.
“Caitlin’s just gotta continue showing up every day,” Durant said. “The WNBA is doing a great job of showcasing her. I’m seeing her games on ESPN every other other day. I’m seeing talks around her, no matter what they’re talking about, there’s a lot of dialogue around the game right now, so that’s good as well.
“I think if she continues to keep getting better as a player, her production on the court gets better, then the league will grow. … There are just so many great players in our league that Caitlin has helped shine that light on them, and that’ll help the league grow over time.”
Durant is the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball’s all-time leading scorer and will be going to Paris next month to take part in this year’s Games.
Clark has expressed no ill will or disappointment in not being selected for the Olympic roster and it has been reported that she is one of the top alternates for Team USA.