While the decision to not include Caitlin Clark on the Olympic team has left many feeling differently, three-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant seems to agree with Team USA's decision to keep the women's basketball star in her home country.
Durant addressed Clark's decision in a statement to The Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker, and confirmed that Clark will be on the Olympic team roster in the future.
“I still think that in our world, you have to take the right steps to be considered an Olympian,” Durant said in an interview. “I think she'll definitely be on one of the teams down the line, but I think there are better candidates out there right now.”
Clark's apparent exclusion from the Olympic team has sparked significant backlash and debate, as has everything involving the former Iowa star since being selected first overall in this year's WNBA draft.
The United States Basketball Association has roped in a host of veteran players, including Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, as well as A'ja Wilson, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewel Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Kalia Copper, for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
During Clark's time in the WNBA, there has been constant controversy and hyperbole over the way her fellow players around the league have treated her and whether they are jealous of the attention she receives.
On the court, Clark has undoubtedly helped raise the profile of the WNBA and showcased her unique skill set that has made her a must-watch player in college.
“Kaitlyn's just got to keep competing every day,” Durant said. “The WNBA is promoting her so much. I watch her games every other day on ESPN. I see stories about her, and whatever the stories are, there's a lot of conversation going on about the game right now, so that's a good thing, too.”
“If she continues to grow as a player and become even better on the court, I think the league will grow. … We have a lot of great players in our league, and Kaitlyn is going to shine a light on them and that will help the league grow.”
Durant is the U.S. men's Olympic basketball all-time leading scorer and is scheduled to travel to Paris next month to take part in this year's Olympics.
Clark has expressed no ill will or disappointment about not being selected for the Olympic team and is reportedly one of the top candidates to make the U.S. team.
