If there is one subject that has captivated the world of women’s sports, particularly basketball, it is the inclusion and removal of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark from Team USA for this summer’s Olympics. Carmelo Anthony, a former NBA player, expressed his opinion on the topic on his program “7PM In Brooklyn” with Kid Mero, discussing how Clark’s presence would enhance the marketing element, but the timing has not been in her favor.
“The women’s U.S. national team has been dominant forever whether who comes on that team or not, that team is going to always be dominant,” Anthony told ESPN. “So now you have the domination and the eyeballs…”To answer your question, she has not attended camp or practice. So it’s no disrespect to her for not making the squad; it’s just the timing of the season, right? It is the timing of the sport.”
“Whether you’re the best player at the 12th or the best player at the number 1 position, you have to earn your keep and for me honestly,” Anthony said afterwards. “I think the timing messes things up for Caitlin. You haven’t gone to camp.And I believe the girls in front of you right now have been there, earned it, and deserve it, and they will go over there and win a gold medal, while you must wait your turn.
Other former NBA players believe Fever’s Clark should be on Team USA.
Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark (22) screams at the referee during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The Indiana Fever beat the Atlanta Dream 91-84.
Aside from the matter at hand, the guest on his show was women’s basketball analyst Monica McNutt, who believes Clark should earn her way onto the Olympics squad rather than being inserted because she is popular. Other former NBA players have agreed with Anthony, including Paul Pierce, who on his program “All The Smoke” alongside Kevin Garnett suggested that Clark and fellow rookie Angel Reese be on Team USA.
“Angel Reese and Caitlin, I would’ve put both of them on the Olympic team for the simple fact that I really didn’t watch the Olympic girls just to be 100 with you, but if that had happened I probably would’ve watched,” says Pierce. “I watch the highlights here, and they’re outscoring everyone by 50. They’ve won their previous eight Olympics, and we’ve always won gold, but s—t, I’d’ve watched the prelims, pool play, and everything if they’d thrown these two on there.”
“Say you got the 100 Meters, the swimming, and the basketball all on the same time, if she’s on that team, they’re going to give that the coverage that day,” says Pierce. “I just think, just for that aspect, and I don’t even care what nobody else thinks, you should’ve did it.”
In her first 15 games with Indiana this season, Clark averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 36.7% from the field. The Fever are now 5-10 on the season, putting them fourth in the Eastern Conference. Their next game will be on Wednesday, June 19 against the Washington Mystics.
