Caitlin Clark and Christie Sides have had their ups and downs in their first season working together in the WNBA. Clark, a superstar with the NCAA’s Iowa Hawkeyes, was the top pick in the WNBA Draft in April – and despite a bumpy start to life in pro basketball, Clark started the league’s All-Star Game in Phoenix. She is likely to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award at season’s end, and could even finish as the league’s leader in assists per game.
While Clark’s Indiana Fever are in a playoff position with 14 games remaining on their schedule, speculation continues to swirl as to the future of her head coach. Christie Sides has come under fire from fans numerous times this season for perceived strategic errors – and even Clark herself has expressed in-game frustration with the second-year coach. As Clark and Sides reconvene during the WNBA’s Olympic hiatus, fans are more intrigued than ever as a decisive stretch of games looms.
stir with her recent statements. In a candid conversation on “The Gold Standard” podcast, Leslie shared her thoughts on why Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s star rookie, was not selected for the U.S.Olympicteam in Paris.
Leslie began by acknowledging Clark’s talent and impact on the sport, saying, “Caitlin Clark should definitely be called up. She has had great success and has impacted women’s basketball tremendously. We all recognize that and that’s why, as fans, we say she should be on the Olympic team.
The WNBA legend revealed that consistent participation in these camps and previous events is crucial to be considered by the committee. “I participated in almost everything since I was in grade 11. I was on the youth national team and was always available for Team USA.”
Leslie stressed that this dedication and attendance are key factors that the committee considers when selecting players.
According to Lisa, Caitlin Clark did not participate in all of these previous activities, which may have affected her selection. “Even though she’s had great success, Caitlin didn’t necessarily participate in all of those things that other Olympic athletes have participated in,” Leslie explained. “The committee follows a certain set of rules and standards.”
Leslie also mentioned that while there have been exceptions in the past, such as the selection of Rebecca Lobo straight out of college in 1996, the committee opted to follow its traditional process this time around. “They could have chosen Caitlin, but they chose not to. It’s a rigorous process and the committee has its reasons.”
Leslie’s conversation has shed light on the rigorousness of the selection process and the reasons behind Caitlin Clark’s absence from the Olympics.
While fans may be disappointed, it is clear that the Olympic committee works with a comprehensive and detailed approach to put together the best team possible.
Lisa Leslie’s revelations highlight the complexity of the road to the Olympics and the constant dedication required to be part of the team. Caitlin Clark will undoubtedly continue to shine in the WNBA, and perhaps her Olympic moment is yet to come.
The U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, brimming with WNBA talent, is ready to defend its perfect record and aim for another gold medal. Led by standout players A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, the team is determined to extend its remarkable streak.
There is no doubt that with 56 consecutive Olympic victories, the U.S. women’s basketball team is poised to continue its dominance on the court in Paris.
To many it was not a surprise that Caitlin Clark was not selected to be in the Olympic roster for Team USA Womens Basketball. People can say that it has been a real factor as they have been rolling so far with a spot secured in the next round before they face another team has been balling out, them being Germany.
Even with that said, there has been some criticism on what team officials should have done before the announcement of the players selected was made. ESPN’s First Stake Stephen A. Smith has been very vocal on this matter and has made his words felt.
How does it feel, Team USA? To have six games, four of them drew over 20,000, and the one that didn’t still drew 2,000 more than you,” said Smith. “That means… that outside of that, the other games drew more than 6,000 fans compared to you. How does it feel?,” he said about the impact that is not having players like Clark on the team.
The impact that Caitlin Clark would have had on the Olympics would have been huge, even more than what we see during the WNBA games. The ratings and number of viewers would have over the roof and thats the point Stephen A. Smith is trying to make.
“See, we want to play like marketing and business don’t play a role in all of us. Have you ever been to the Olympics? Do you know that they’ll remove you from events if they have a sponsorship from Coca-Cola and you drink Pepsi?,” Stephen A. said.
“I would know. I’ve been to two of them. I covered the Olympics in Sydney, Australia in 2000. I covered it in Athens, Greece, in 2004. I would know. I haven’t been back since, don’t want to go back. I can’t stand the Olympics. I’m not talking about the games,” he went on to say with a very high tone of voice in what many believe is a result of his experience and also things that could have translated to a better form for the Olympic basketball team.
“I’m not talking about the competition; I’m talking about the way the Olympics treat people, particularly the media. I can’t stand it. You have no rights. Everything is so restrictive. Because you’re doing business with everybody, and you’re milking every penny for all its worth, every chance you get.”