Paris Olympics: Kevin Durant Questions Caitlin Clark’s 15-Sport WNBA Expertise Amid Diana Taurasi’s Choice Saga

Followers had been outraged once they came upon that Caitlin Clark’s identify was not among the many twelve feminine gamers representing Workforce USA within the upcoming Paris Olympics. Arguably the most well-liked participant within the WNBA proper now, individuals actually needed to see CC compete in her first massive Worldwide competitors. And followers vented their frustration out on veteran star Diana Taurasi, questioning her choice within the group regardless of her 5 earlier gold medal wins within the Olympics. Amid the social media outrage, Kevin Durant got here to Taurasi’s rescue revealing why retaining Clark out of the Olympics group was the precise resolution.

Throughout a current interview with WSJ Information, KD addressed Caitlin lacking out on her first Olympics choice, “I nonetheless suppose it’s correct steps you gotta soak up our world to be thought of an Olympian.” Though Clark has proven nice potential early, she has solely performed fifteen video games in her professional profession. And the dearth of expertise won’t be sufficient to get her chosen within the Olympics squad, particularly when there are extra extremely achieved gamers within the league.

“Proper now, there’s higher candidates on the market.” KD added. Whereas followers claimed that Taurasi could be too previous (42) to go to the Olympics and he or she can be having a worse season than Clark, her worldwide expertise could be too onerous to miss. Already a five-time gold winner on the Olympics, this might be Taurasi’s sixth journey to the grand stage. Furthermore, she additionally holds the file for many Olympics titles in US basketball historical past. With many contemplating her the GOAT of girls’s basketball, it could have been disrespectful to maintain her off the group and choose Clark as a substitute. Nevertheless, KD does imagine that Clark will certainly make the group sooner or later Olympics.

What did Caitlin Clark say about not making Workforce USA?

In solely fifteen video games, Clark has confirmed that she could be the following massive factor identical to everybody predicted. Averaging over sixteen factors together with 6.2 assists, CC is popping out to be one of the versatile guards within the league. Whereas everybody knew of her capturing skill, her protection has stunned many as she is averaging over one block and one steal every night time. In the meantime, Taurasi, in her twentieth season is averaging 16.7 factors and practically 5 rebounds. With comparable numbers this season, a case might have been made for both star to be on the Olympics squad. Furthermore, each NBA and WNBA have taken rookies to the Olympics up to now.

Sarcastically, when Taurasi performed in her first Olympics again in 2004, she was the identical age as Clark is true now and was additionally a rookie. Aside from her, future stars like Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart additionally went Worldwide of their first WNBA season. In the meantime, from the NBA, legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James additionally participated within the Olympics once they had been rookies. However Clark was not so fortunate as her predecessors.

Nevertheless, CC didn’t take the snub to her coronary heart as a result of she knew how powerful the competitors is and she is going to get this chance sooner or later. “Truthfully, no disappointment. It simply offers me one thing to work for… Hopefully, when 4 years comes again, I may be there. I’m excited for the women which are on the group.” Taking the standard method, Clark received everybody’s hearts as soon as once more. However she must wait not less than one other 4 years to start out constructing her Worldwide legacy.

Earlier than you go, don’t forget to take a look at what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Hold checking this area for extra such updates.