Caitlin Clark's name has appeared in countless sports headlines over the first few weeks of the WNBA season.
The all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball, Clark has helped bring unprecedented attention to the WNBA, but much of the recent news about her has centered on the United States Basketball Association's decision to leave her off its roster for the upcoming Olympic Games.
The decision has sparked much debate, with some in support of the exclusion and others opposed, with Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce among those disappointed that Clark will not be traveling with Team USA to Paris next month.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE FOXNEWS.COM
NBA great Paul Pierce was honored to be selected to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team during halftime of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on February 20, 2022. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)
From Pierce's perspective, the USA Basketball selection committee made a mistake.
“I just thought it was a bad move,” Pierce said. “I mean, like it or not, we're trying to grow women's soccer. This is an opportunity. They said she doesn't practice enough. Well, that's not the issue.”
“I don't care what our representatives say. Politics touches everything. It's part of everything. Any growth. So if we don't take advantage of it, we fail.”
USA Basketball Association president says selecting Kaitlyn Clark for Olympic team 'irresponsible'
The 10-time NBA All-Star also argued that former Louisiana State University basketball star and current Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese should have been selected to represent the United States in Paris.
“I didn't watch much of the women's Olympic team, so I would have put both of you on the Olympic team just to get 100 points with you. If it had to happen, I probably would have watched.”
Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark warms up before a game against the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena on June 7, 2024 in Washington, DC. (G. Fiume/Getty Images)
Immediately after learning he had not been selected for the national team, Clark said he has used the decision as motivation to play for the U.S. national team in 2028.
“I'm excited for the girls that are on the team. I know this is the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way whether I was on the team or not,” Clark said. Athletic“So, I'm excited for them to do well. I'm going to be rooting for them to win the gold medal. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics. So, yeah, it's going to be fun to watch them compete.”
“I'm not disappointed. I think it just gives me a reason to work hard. That's the dream. Hopefully one day I'll be there. I think it just gives me a little bit more motivation. Just keep that in mind. And hopefully, four years from now, when the four years come around again, I'll be there.”
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky plays against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 1, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles. This will be the third time that Los Angeles has hosted the Summer Olympics. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics was the last time a U.S. city hosted the Summer Olympics.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Clark is averaging 15.6 points and six assists per game this season.
Reese is averaging 10 rebounds through the first 12 games of her WNBA career. Clark and Reese will face off for the second time this season when the Indiana Fever hosts the Chicago Sky on June 16.
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverage,subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
