Kevin Durant reckons Caitlin Clark has to take 'proper steps' for Olympic consideration
There was a lot of debate following the omission of Caitlin Clark from Team USA's 12-woman roster for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Kevin Durant has given his take on the matter and seemingly sided with Team USA's decision to not pick the Indiana Fever star.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Durant was asked about Clark not making the Team USA roster. The former NBA MVP understood the decision to pick players due to merit and not popularity. She also commented on the rookie's impact on the WNBA.
"I still think there's proper steps you have to take in our world to be considered an Olympian. I think she's definitely going to be on one of these teams going forward, but for right now there's better candidates out there I think. But Caitlin's just gotta continue to keep showing up every day. The WNBA is doing a great job of showcasing her. I'm seeing her games on ESPN every other day," Durant said. [H/T Bleacher Report].
He added:
"No matter what they're talking about, there's a lot of dialogue around the game right now, so that's good as well. But I think as she keeps getting better as a player, her production on the court gets better, then the league will grow, alongside some of the other women as well. A'ja Wilson, there's 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."
Kevin Durant is one of the greatest basketball players in Olympic history. Durant has three gold medals in 2012, 2016 and 2020. He's gunning for a fourth one this year in Paris and possibly become the first player to win four Olympic gold medals in basketball.
Caitlin Clark not bothered by Team USA snub
Caitlin Clark was not bothered by Team USA's decision to snub her for the Paris Olympic games. Clark showed her support to the 12 players who will represent the United States in an attempt to win their eighth straight gold medal.
The debate to include Clark came down to two things – marketing and merit. People such as Stephen A. Smith argued that Paris was the perfect opportunity to grow women's basketball on a global scale and help the WNBA become even bigger.
Some people even pointed out that other star rookies such as Angel Reese and Cameron Brink should have been included as well. However, the other argument promotes merit by picking the 12 best players in the league although others countered it.
Diana Taurasi is the oldest player in the league and might not be better than a player like Arike Ogunbowale, who is the third-leading scorer in the WNBA right now. The selection of Jackie Young was also criticized because she's injured and has not played this season.
Nevertheless, the only way to for Caitlin Clark or any other snubbed player to join the the roster is when a player suffered an injury, which no one should be hoping for.