Clark could play against Team USA as soon as July 20

Caitlin Clark

Caitlin ClarkLAPRESSE

Caitlin Clark was not surprised to learn she missed out on being picked by Team USA for the Olympic Games in France but everyone else seemed outraged that the most marketable player in the WNBA wouldn’t get a shot at gold. But she could still play against her nation: here’s how.

The overall first pick of the draft has lit up the WNBA on and off the court, bringing in a wave of unprecedented interest to professional women’s basketball whilst she has also shot for 30+ points on multiple occasions as a rookie.

Diana Taurasi takes another shot at Caitlin Clark after Olympic ‘snub’

Unfortunately, her star power wasn’t enough for the Indiana Fever ace to be picked by Cheryl Reeve as the USA look for their eighth gold medal in a row. However, she could already get her revenge as soon as July 20 in a special one-off game.

Team USA will take on the WNBA All-Stars as part of its preparations for the Games in France, and as the rookie of the month for May, Clark might well find herself selected to the roster and with a chance to prove why she was wrong to be snubbed.

“The highs and lows of Clark’s first 13 WNBA games have been thoroughly covered and analyzed,” ESPN said, naming her to their predicted roster. “But between the heavily weighted fan vote and her overall solid career start, she’ll likely be headed to Phoenix.

“The rookie, who ranks fourth in the league in assists per game, joins Olympian Jackie Young as the only players this season averaging at least 16 points and six assists.

“Regardless of whether you think Clark should have made the Olympic team, it’s hard to deny that it’s a tantalizing prospect to see her go against Team USA as part of the WNBA All-Stars.”

How will the All-Stars vs Team USA voting work?

Voting begins on June 13 with fans being allowed to cast their ballots for who should be named to the All-Star team as part of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Arizona, making up 50% of the vote weight.

Current WNBA players will pick at a value of 25% and the media members will also pick at the same value of 25%. Then, the Top 10 votes will be named to the All-Star Game. Those not already on Team USA will face Team WNBA.