Caitlin Clark Breaks Silence On Team USA Snub During 2024 Paris Olympics

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has had a successful rookie season in the WNBA, but she was unable to make the final cut on the Team USA women's basketball roster in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The talented guard spoke with the media after Fever practice on Tuesday, and while she mentioned that she's tuned into the men's and women's teams during the tournament, she views Team USA's decision to keep her off the roster as motivation.

However, Clark explained that she believes the WNBA break was beneficial for her mental and physical health.

She's not "bummed" that she didn't make the Olympics roster since she thought it would help push her toward a new dream.

"No, I mean, I think the break’s definitely been good," Clark said. "It’s certainly cool. It’s like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you’re only going to ever get in four years. So, I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily bummed. I think it gives you something to work for sure and something to dream of.”

Clark clearly has the talent to be on the United States Olympics roster, but her inexperience and timing may have influenced the team's decision to keep her off the flight to France.

The rookie is averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game. She leads the league in assists per game and all rookies in both categories.

Clark made the 2024 WNBA All-Star team next to established WNBA stars like Jonquel Jones and DeWanna Bonner.

She's at the top of the league in terms of pure talent, especially on the offensive end, but the Olympics roster may have been finalized before Clark even had the chance to prove her worth.

The 22-year-old star will have an opportunity to make the Team USA women's basketball roster in 2028 when the Olympic Games are hosted in Los Angeles, California.

Related: WNBA Legend Sheryl Swoopes Makes Her Opinion of Caitlin Clark Extremely Clear

Related: Sheryl Swoopes Reveals Why Caitlin Clark Shouldn't Win WNBA Rookie of the Year