Kevin Durant has weighed in on the debate over Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from the U.S. women’s national basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. While he acknowledges that Clark has the potential to join the team in the future, he believes there were stronger candidates this year.

In a conversation with Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker, Durant, who will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games with the U.S. men’s team, stated, “I think there are proper steps you have to take in our world to be considered an Olympian. Caitlin will definitely be on one of these teams going forward, but right now, there are better candidates out there, I think.”

Clark, who was not selected for the team alongside established WNBA stars like Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson, was considered by the USA Basketball women’s national team committee, though specifics on her exclusion were not disclosed by committee chair Jen Rizzotti.

Despite the backlash over Clark’s omission, Durant emphasized her progress and the visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA. “Caitlin just has to keep showing up every day. The WNBA is doing a great job showcasing her. I see her games on ESPN almost daily, and there’s a lot of buzz around her, which is great for the game,” Durant said. “If she keeps improving and her performance on the court gets better, the league will grow. There are so many great players in our league, and Caitlin has helped shine a light on them, which will help the league grow over time.”

Clark, who is currently in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, averaging 16.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, expressed that while not making the team was disappointing, it only fuels her motivation. “It’s just more motivation. That’s a dream. Hopefully, one day I can be there,” she said.

 

Source: Usa Today