Why Caitlin Clark isn't participating in WNBA 3-Point Contest: Fever rookie says she 'needs a break'

If there was any one player WNBA fans were looking forward to watching in the 3-Point Contest this year, it was Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom known for taking (and making) shots from far beyond the arc.

To the dismay of women's basketball followers, the Fever guard declined her invitation to the competition. While speaking to reporters ahead of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, she revealed the motive behind her decision.

Here's what the first-time All-Star said about the contest and why she chose to opt out in her first year in the league.

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Why is Caitlin Clark not participating in the WNBA 3-Point Contest?

Clark was to the point when asked why she chose not to participate in the 3-Point Contest during media availability Friday.

"I think just rest. I've been playing basketball for a year straight," she said. "The biggest thing for me is I need a break and I need to take some time to myself to enjoy what I want to do. At times that can be tough being in the position that I'm in, but I think it's going to be healthiest for myself."

The 22-year-old rookie mentioned that it's not easy to shoot in the format of the contest, which involves picking balls up off a rack, and she doesn't have practice doing so. Clark also seemed confident that this won't be her only opportunity to participate.

"It's not an easy thing to just show up to and shoot off of a rack. It's not something I've ever done before, not something I've had a lot of time to practice," she said. "I think there's going to be plenty of opportunities for me to do that at some point."

Her head has been with the Fever and not focused on All-Star Weekend until now. Still, she didn't miss the opportunity to compliment the shooters who are participating in the competition, saying she will be there to support them.

MORE: Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu decline 3-Point Contest invites

WNBA 3-Point Contest participants

With no Clark taking part in the event, here are the five All-Stars going at it for the 3-point competition.

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WNBA All-Star Weekend schedule

Three events take place over the course of two days at All-Star Weekend. Below is a breakdown of all the competitions.