“I think she’s going to definitely be on one of these teams going forward but right now, there were better candidates out there,” Durant said in a recent appearance.
NBA MVP Kevin Durant agrees with USA Basketball’s decision to leave Caitlin Clark off their Olympic roster.
At Journal House during the Cannes Lions Festival, Durant, 35, said there were “better candidates” for the roster in an interview with Emma Tucker of the Wall Street Journal. Fans and commentators were deeply divided over the 22-year-old’s omission from the women’s basketball team that will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Phoenix Suns player responded, “I think there are still proper steps you’ve got to take in our world to be considered an Olympian,” in response to a question on the rookie Indiana Fever.
“I think she’s going to definitely be on one of these teams going forward but right now, there were better candidates out there,” Durant and his Boardroom colleague Rich Kleiman stated.
The 2024 roster for Team USA includes WNBA players Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum.
He also conveyed praise for the WNBA and their endeavors to “showcase” the first overall selection. The WNBA is doing a fantastic job showcasing her. I watch her games on ESPN every other day,” Durant said.
“I notice her in talks about whatever subject they’re talking about; a lot of people are talking about the game right now, so that’s good too,”
The three players who will represent Team USA in Paris—LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Durant—said that Clark should “continue to keep showing up every day” while she gets used to life in the NBA.
“I think as she continues to keep getting better as a player, her production on the court gets better, then the league will grow along with some of the other women who are coming in,” he added, referencing A’ja Wilson, the two-time MVP of the Las Vegas Aces.
“Our league has so many incredible players that Caitlin has helped draw attention to, and that will help the league grow over time,” Durant went on.
After the Olympic roster was revealed, Clark told reporters on June 9 that she was happy with her selection.
Clark said, “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” according to ESPN. “I understand that this is the most competitive team in the world and that either way, I could have been selected for the team or left off of it. I’ll be supporting them as they strive for the gold. I grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them,” the Fever guard continued.
To tell the truth, I’m not let down. Although it’s just a dream, it gives me something to aim for. One day, maybe, I’ll be able to go there. I think it’s simply a little bit more motivation. You remember that. I want to be able to go in the upcoming four years.
