Should Clark be on the Olympic team?

[UcMiami]

It is an interesting situation and a changing environment. The WNBA is paying its stars more, but has made it much more difficult for their players to play internationally by barring those who do not leave their international teams early to make training camps and the start of the season. While that is great for the league it provides fewer options for gaining experience playing against the same players that will be represented at the WC and Olympic games and playing with international referees and under international rules. There are now many more opportunities for WNBA players to make decent money not playing basketball in the US in the WNBA off season.

The older generation of players played two seasons each year, the more intense one being overseas. Tough on their bodies, but great preparation for playing those same players in the two major international competitions.

Diggins-Smith was one of the first to not go overseas, and you could see her struggle her first few times on NT teams. And the age specific teams are not generally enough exposure to get players ready.

The young players added to the NT over the years have struggled in their first exposure, whether as college students or as recent grads. Doesn't mean that it isn't a good idea to include them, just that you can't depend on them to be ready to lead.

I have no problem either way with Caitlin - she should definitely be in the pool, but how the rest of the team is structured and the confidence in the other players filling her roles will be a determining factor in the final selections. If the committee and coach are confident they have a winning 11 member team, then add her and see how she handles it. If they have concerns about the 11 member team then use that 12 spot to answer some of those concerns with a more experienced player.

I also have no problem either way with DT making the teams - she is very experienced in international play and NT play, just as Catch and Lisa, and Sue and other before her. That can be great for a team and a coach, whether she is the 'best' player or not. She can help younger players deal with the stresses in a way that the coaches can't, and she can still provide moments of magic, in the reduced minutes she is likely to get. (Sue provided that in her last go-round.)

(At age 42, I would still feel more confident depending on DT should the team need five crucial minutes in a game, than in 22 year old Caitlin who has never been there. Because that is the kind of question you may be answering with the #12 spot on the roster. Asjha Jones filled that kind of role with her selection in 2012.)

 

[WBBTakeover]

I'm sorry, but I do not see a viable argument for the inclusion of a 42-year-old aging player (whose body hasn't exactly been kind to her during the last couple of seasons) over a budding 22-year-old superstar on the basis of end-of-the-bench utility. If the goal is to introduce the next generation to international play, why not go with the much, much younger player? She's going to be practicing against much better players than the ones she'll be facing in games because it's unlikely that the 12th player on this roster will get any meaningful game time at any point in this tournament.

I also don't believe that said 42-year-old has to be included on the basis of veteran leadership when it's likely that half the team will be at least 30 years old (or darn close to it) while the number of players under the age of 25 is likely to be two or fewer. This year, Brittney Griner (would be third Olympics) is turning 34. Chelsea Gray (would be second Olympics) and Alyssa Thomas will be 32. Jewell Loyd (would be second Olympics) will be 31. Breanna Stewart (would be third Olympics), Kahleah Copper, and Kelsey Plum (would be second Olympics but first with 5x5) will be 30. And several of the "under 30" players (in particular, A'ja Wilson--who will be 28) are capable of being leaders as well. Am I supposed to believe that Diana Taurasi is supposed to fulfill a leadership role that they can't--either individually or collectively? I'm sorry, but I don't see it.

 

[Matthew1589]

If it was one isolated incident i would be inclined to agree. I wish I could find the clip because It seemed pretty absurd at the time. Dealing with physicality isn't her strong suit and that's what dominates the FIBA style at the senior level. But I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. Just giving my opinion like everyone else.

The last 3 years I've been to every Iowa home game and many away games too. Caitlin is used to physical play it's been the go to method of stopping her the last 4 years including at the U19.

Listen to pre-game interviews the last 3 NCAA tournaments of teams sharing how they will go at her hard. The most physical of those games were 2023 Georgia (2nd round NCAA) and 2024 West Virginia (2nd round NCAA) Caitlin more than held her own while getting mugged and led Iowa to the win each time. UCONN's Nika Muhl got up in to her as well but Caitlin still led her to team to another win in that game in this years F4. She'd have nearly 2 months of WNBA action too before the Olympics, her opponents are going to go hard at her too so she'd be more than ready.

 

[baggerbob]

I'm sorry, but I do not see a viable argument for the inclusion of a 42-year-old aging player (whose body hasn't exactly been kind to her during the last couple of seasons) over a budding 22-year-old superstar on the basis of end-of-the-bench utility. If the goal is to introduce the next generation to international play, why not go with the much, much younger player? She's going to be practicing against much better players than the ones she'll be facing in games because it's unlikely that the 12th player on this roster will get any meaningful game time at any point in this tournament.

I also don't believe that said 42-year-old has to be included on the basis of veteran leadership when it's likely that half the team will be at least 30 years old (or darn close to it) while the number of players under the age of 25 is likely to be two or fewer. This year, Brittney Griner (would be third Olympics) is turning 34. Chelsea Gray (would be second Olympics) and Alyssa Thomas will be 32. Jewell Loyd (would be second Olympics) will be 31. Breanna Stewart (would be third Olympics), Kahleah Copper, and Kelsey Plum (would be second Olympics but first with 5x5) will be 30. And several of the "under 30" players (in particular, A'ja Wilson--who will be 28) are capable of being leaders as well. Am I supposed to believe that Diana Taurasi is supposed to fulfill a leadership role that they can't--either individually or collectively? I'm sorry, but I don't see it.

Gray, Stewart, Thomas, and Wilson, along with Loyd are your leaders on this team.
They don't need DT for leadership

 

[packwrap]

Meanwhile recent college grad Cameron Brink invited to this weekend's Team USA 3 on 3 Olympic camp.

 

[Dillon77]

Meanwhile recent college grad Cameron Brink invited to this weekend's Team USA 3 on 3 Olympic camp.

Yup & Thanks. We've got a thread on it somewhere in the general section.

 

[Bonefish]

The Olympics in many ways is about eyeballs/ratings. Imagine the coverage by NBC when Caitlin walks in the Opening Ceremony. She will be a featured/prominent US athlete in Paris. She's already proven to be ratings gold.

In my opinion, she should and absolutely will be on that roster.

 

[cancontent]

The Olympics in many ways is about eyeballs/ratings. Imagine the coverage by NBC when Caitlin walks in the Opening Ceremony. She will be a featured/prominent US athlete in Paris. She's already proven to be ratings gold.

In my opinion, she should and absolutely will be on that roster.

Are you talking from a ratings perspective or an ability to play perspective? Just for clarity here.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Gray, Stewart, Thomas, and Wilson, along with Loyd are your leaders on this team.
They don't need DT for leadership

What's the status of Chelsea Gray's injury?

 

[MilfordHusky]

I want to follow up on Cat's point, as I've also been to the World Cup in 2014 and 2018, plus the Olympics in 1996 and 2012.

First, some of the foreign teams are badly underestimated. Some of the talent has played in the WNBA--and impressed--but many players are unknown to U.S. audiences. That does not mean that they are not good players. In the NBA, the majority of 1st Team All-NBA (and MVPs) has been foreign-born players for a few years now. In addition, other nation's teams have much more time playing together, so their chemistry is outstanding.

In 2012, the U.S.A. struggled with Australia in the semi-finals, as Liz Cambage was unstoppable. Fortunately, fatigue, Tina Charles, and Asjha Jones slowed her down in the second half, and Diana hit some big shots. In 2014, Maya Moore got us off to a strong start over the first 5-10 minutes, and Spain played us even the rest of the way. In 2018, Belgium and Emma Meesseman used sharp passing and amazing 3-point shooting to lead us at halftime in the semi-finals. Fortunately, they cooled off, and we got the win.

Second, the pressure of playing in major international events is incomprehensible. This cannot be over-emphasized. It is nothing like the U-19, U-18, etc. events, where the crowds number in the hundreds. It is beyond the NCAA Final Four. In fact, it far exceeds Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. Playing for your nation involves incredible pressure. I am glad that we played Spain in the 2014 Finals, because the local support for the Turkish team was insane. Noisemakers were permitted, and the decibel level in the professional arena was higher than I've ever experienced anywhere. Team communication was nearly impossible.

Team U.S.A. has traditionally carried one college player. Obviously, that player was typically the NPOY. However, that player's effectiveness was limited. In 2014, Odyssey Sims was a total nonfactor. Though Stewie made a few amazing plays, her primary contribution to the stat sheet was personal fouls committed. She was overwhelmed. In 2018, Aja Wilson, who is now a certified star, was rendered ineffective by Australia. They double-teamed her with equal size and forced her to go right. The result was usually a forced shot or turnover. In the Tokyo Olympics, despite being 1st Team All-WNBA, Skylar Diggins-Smith looked uncomfortable and was largely ineffective. The point is that even some of the world's best do not perform well in their first major international event. It's entirely possible that other teams in 2014 will make Caitlin look worse that we have ever seen her, but the experience will prepare her for 2026, 2028, etc.

 

[TC22]

I don’t know how you can take DT and Clark. Do you leave Aliyah home also? At some point we have to start building for the future. Guaranteed to go are A’ja, Stewie, Phee, Chelsea Gray (if healthy), Loyd and BG. Boston is the only other big that has been invited unless I’m missing someone. Does she get a spot? Alyssa Thomas was an absolute freight train in the FIBA tournament - there’s no way they leave her off. If they take Boston that leaves 4 spots for Atkins, DT, Ionescu, Plum, Jackie Young, Clark, Copper plus a host of others. I mainly included the ones I think are the best players. IDT you can afford to take Clark AND Taurasi, mainly because neither one is going to give you much defense. Other than Gray and Loyd there are no other experienced guards unless they take Atkins. Ionescu also doesn’t play a whole lot of D. She’s gotten better, but Plum and Young anhilated her in the play-offs.

If I were choosing I’d take the 4 Aces, Stewie, Phee, Loyd, BG, Boston, Alyssa Thomas, Copper and Clark. What you don’t have in experienced guards you make up for in guards that have playEd together. IDT that will happen but it would be a great team with experience, youth, and the 2 best young players in the country.

 

[bbsamjj]

I like your list TC22. Also, a reminder that even with some of the best players in the world, there are only so many minutes per game. In the last Olympics, SDD, Collier, and Atkins all averaged less than 6.6mpg. That seems like the role Clark would play, but coming with a lot of upside for both team PR and her development.

The reason you bring an Atkins or a Laney or a B. Sykes is for perimeter defense (Loyd is pretty much the only one on the roster above who is pseudo known for defense). But when you have 4 of the best defenders in the world in Wilson, Stewart, AT, Collier in the wing/post; not to mention Griner in the middle, that's less of a concern.

 

[Dillon77]

I like your list TC22. Also, a reminder that even with some of the best players in the world, there are only so many minutes per game. In the last Olympics, SDD, Collier, and Atkins all averaged less than 6.6mpg. That seems like the role Clark would play, but coming with a lot of upside for both team PR and her development.

The reason you bring an Atkins or a Laney or a B. Sykes is for perimeter defense (Loyd is pretty much the only one on the roster above who is pseudo known for defense). But when you have 4 of the best defenders in the world in Wilson, Stewart, AT, Collier in the wing/post; not to mention Griner in the middle, that's less of a concern.

Good points by both you and @TC22, who noted bringing all four Aces. One of those, Jackie Young, can play perimeter defense, as well. Maybe not quite like some of those you mention, but she's got good foot speed, height and strength, from the arc back into the box.

 

[Zach Jump]

Meanwhile recent college grad Cameron Brink invited to this weekend's Team USA 3 on 3 Olympic camp.

I was suprised at just how many that have not completed college got invited to that camp, including Lucy Olsen. Large amount for so few spots, compared to the size of invitees for the regular team

 

[CajunHusky]

packwrap said:
Meanwhile recent college grad Cameron Brink invited to this weekend's Team USA 3 on 3 Olympic camp.

I was suprised at just how many that have not completed college got invited to that camp, including Lucy Olsen. Large amount for so few spots, compared to the size of invitees for the regular team

Not a lot of USA players have 3x3 experience. Those invited do have experience with 3x3 and are active in 3x3 tournaments and multiple USAB training camps not just 3x3.

The article below discusses all participants' experience with 3x3 and USAB programs.
2024 USA 3x3 Women’s National Team Training Camp Roster Announced - USA Basketball

Cameron has significant 3x3 experience: "Brink was named MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Cup after helping USA to the gold medal. Brink also competed in two 2023 FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stops as a member of USA U24, finishing second in both Montreal and Quebec. A USA Basketball participant since 2017, she also owns 5-on-5 gold medals from the 2018 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup and 2019 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup."

 

[GamecockFam]

Not a lot of USA players have 3x3 experience. Those invited do have experience with 3x3 and are active in 3x3 tournaments and multiple USAB training camps not just 3x3.

The article below discusses all participants' experience with 3x3 and USAB programs.
2024 USA 3x3 Women’s National Team Training Camp Roster Announced - USA Basketball

Cameron has significant 3x3 experience: "Brink was named MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Cup after helping USA to the gold medal. Brink also competed in two 2023 FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stops as a member of USA U24, finishing second in both Montreal and Quebec. A USA Basketball participant since 2017, she also owns 5-on-5 gold medals from the 2018 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup and 2019 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup."

IMO Cam also has the perfect body and skills to play that style of game. I think the ideal 3x3 player is a forward or tall guard who can defend both guards and bigs, can shoot the three, and is a decent ball handler. She also is a high energy player who I think has to worry less about fouling out in that style of game.

 

[The deacon]

IMO Cam also has the perfect body and skills to play that style of game. I think the ideal 3x3 player is a forward or tall guard who can defend both guards and bigs, can shoot the three, and is a decent ball handler. She also is a high energy player who I think has to worry less about fouling out in that style of game.

Agreed. That's why Katie Lou excelled at 3 x3 before Covid got her...

 

[Mr. Cam]

It is quite possible that USA Basketball and coach C. Reeve might see at least some of these pos-
sibilities.


I want USA Basketball to launch the Caitlin Clark ICBM on Paris. Coach Reeve can use Caitlin Clark
initially as a second rotation shooting backup point guard. If Team USA has a big lead in the first
or second half, Coach Reeve can insert Caitlin as a FIRST rotation shooting guard. In both instances,
USA Basketball can implement a simple motion offence that gives Caitlin the Steph Curry assign-
ment of constant off ball movement to spread the floor to create gaps, mismatches, single coverage,
or even pull the opposing defense from the weak to the strong side to create dead/empty spaces on
the weak side for her team mates to exploit backdoor cuts to the basket.


And before anyone gets the idea Caitlin Clark is a shoot first/only point guard. She is a master of the
bounce pass and she can start the break with her laser like long passes that hit her team mates in
stride on their way to the basket. Caitlin can take it to the rack and she also has a midrange game
and can operate in the key.





Caitlin Clark's long range shooting ability stretches the defense as she crosses the half court line whether
she has the ball or not. Opposing coaches dare not leave her open and that forces them to assign their
best defender to pick her up at the half court line. Just by steeping onto the court, Caitlin has already dis-
torted the opponents game plan. On Team USA Clark cannot be doubled. Why? With two or three of Aus-
tin, Boston, Griner, Stewart, & Wilson in the front court along with Collier & Howard on the wings, Clark
will simply draw a defender or defenders to her and she will pass the ball to one of her open teammates.
Caitlin will have had 20 or more games with Aliyah Boston in the 2024 regular season before Paris and they
will have worked on their PR combos. Chelsea Gray to Aja Wilson is LETHEL. By the time FIBA stages the 20-
26 Women's World Cup, Caitlin & Aliyah Boston will have had 3 seasons together. IF Caitlin & Aliyah can ach-
ieve 1/2 to 3/4's of the LETHALITY as Gray to Wilson, what a weapon. By her third sea-son, we will know if she
is on the Bird track or tapped out.


Stewart & Howard can shoot the three, Stewart, Wilson & Collier have killer mid range shooting ability. Bos-
ton, Griner, Stewart, & Wilson can all kill you in the block, just ask Belgium about Stewie. Do not forget the
"other" Team USA guards. NO other national team has anywhere near the caliber of three point shooters that
USA Basketball can put on the floor with these five: Ionescu FG3% 37.7, Gray FG3% 38.7, Plum, FG3% 39.7, &
Young FG3% 41.2. I defy anyone to show me a women's national team that can constantly DOUBLE TEAM Clark
while the other three players TRY to slow down much less stop a Team USA second rotation of Ionescu, Howard,
Austin, & Boston. And that is the WEAKEST lineup I could put together.

My 2024 Olympic Roster


1. Brittney Griner No: 15 POS: C HGT: 6-9 Current Age: 32 Paris 24 & out
2. Aliyah Boston No: 14 POS: C HGT: 6-5 Current Age: 21
Traditional big body center. The perfect player to keep Kamilla Cardoso outside the block.
3. Shakira Austin No: 13 POS: C HGT: 6-5 Current Age: 24
Rebounding, rim protection, putbacks, & opportunitsitc scoring.
4. A'ja Wilson No: 9 POS: PF HGT: 6-5 Current Age: 26
5. Breanna Stewart No: 10 POS: F/PF HGT: 6-4 Current Age: 28
6. Alyssa Thomas No: 2 POS: SF HGT: 6-2 Current Age: 31 Paris 24 & out
7. Napheesa Collier No: 11 POS: SF HGT: 6-1 Current Age: 27
An excellent small forward
8. Rhyne Howard No: 13 POS: SG/SF HGT: 6-2 Current Age: 23
A TWO position player that can play emergency PG, plays as a SG in the W, and can play
as a SF. She is bigger and is a better scorer than Collier. Let's see how much Howard ascends
in her third season.
9. Caitlin Clark No: 12 POS: SG/PG HGT: 6-0 Current Age: 21
10. Jackie Young No: 3 POS: SG HGT: 6-0 Current Age: 27
11. Chelsea Gray No: 8 POS: PG HGT: 5-11 Current Age: 30 Paris 24 & out
12. Kelsey Plum No: 5 POS: PG HGT: 5-8 Current Age: 28

The last time Taurasi was Taurasi:

FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 | FIBA Basketball Events

Re-live the competition - FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018. Explore all games & results, stats, highlights, participating players & teams.

www.fiba.basketball

 

[Mr. Cam]

We have to entertain the possibility that once Caitlin has established in the opposing coach's

mind that she is a legitimate assist/scoring threat that REQUIRES their best defender because

of her passing, 3 pt. shooting, and drives to the basket, Coach Reeves will be able to use her as

a decoy. What happens when the opposition coach can see that their best defender cannot con-

tain her now what??? That means that they can only assign their SECOND best defender to Grey,

Plum, Young, Howard, & Collier.

FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament Belgium | FIBA Basketball Events

Re-live the competition - FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament Belgium. Explore all games & results, stats, highlights, participating players & teams.

www.fiba.basketball

This game is a PRIME example of why Caitlin can be a difference maker. Team USA had to rely on

Breanna Stewart's last .1 of a second tip in to prevent overtime. You can look at the stats above but

this one stat tells the story. Team USA shot 4/19 21.1% from the three point line. The Cats shot 12/29

41.4% from the three point line and they lost by 2. IF the Cats had shot 5/27 18.5% from the three

point line like they did against Nigeria, they lose 81 to 58 in a near blowout. Do not forget that A'ja

Wilson, Brittney Griner, & Chelsea Gray were not on the roster in Belgium. The Cats shot 13/33 39.4%

from the three point line and won by 31 pts. against Senegal. The Cats shot 5/27 18.5% from the three

point line and won by 17 pts. against Nigeria. Clark has made 8 & 9 3 pt. shots in a single game. All she

has to do is drop 4 3 pt. shots against Belgium and they lose 93 to 79.

A poster stated that the Olympics will/might overwhelm Caitlin. I do not buy that supposition. Clark was

the number one, go to option for four years. No college player has had to live and PERFORM under the

level of NATIONAL national sports media scrutiny and pressure like she did. She pulled a LeBron. She

single handedly dragged a group of players that had no business in the NCAA elite eight much less two

consecutive NCAA finals. Without Caitlin, would anyone outside of Iowa see or hear about Kate Martin,

Gabbie Marshall, or Hannah Stuelke in the national sports media? Caitlin gave Kate the stage to perform

on that allowed her to generate enough attention to attract the attention of the Aces organization.

Only the HOME and certain National Teams can fill the arena for the group stage in the Olympics/World

Cup. The Chinese had excellent support in Sydney for the final against Team USA. Yet the Chinese had far

more support than the Opals in the Semis. The French should have excellent support for their ladies nat-

ional team led by an AMERICAN player from UCONN!!!

 

[Mr. Cam]

Caitlin Clark’s early WNBA play could be Olympic tryout

Caitlin Clark’s early play in WNBA will serve as her tryout for a spot on the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team.

fox59.com

 

[Rowdy831]

I think that Caitlin Clark may already be the best player ever in the women's game. She does have a lot to prove but what she did with a very average Iowa team is quite remarkable. All you have to do to beat them is defend CC and very few teams were able to do that when it mattered.

I am really excited to see what she can do when she is surrounded by other players that can actually play the game a a professional level. As far as the Olympics are concerned they need fans to watch and nobody tunes to watch a women play like fans do for CC.

 

[TC22]

Within 6 weeks we will put all these opinions to rest. It won’t take long to determine whether Caitlin is ready to play against a team full of pros and how much playing with a team full of pros elevates her game. I’ll be glad when that happens because I am absolutely tired of all the new WBB fans giving their opinions. And this refers more to the media and talk show hosts than fans.

 

[Bjbod]

Within 6 weeks we will put all these opinions to rest. It won’t take long to determine whether Caitlin is ready to play against a team full of pros and how much playing with a team full of pros elevates her game. I’ll be glad when that happens because I am absolutely tired of all the new WBB fans giving their opinions. And this refers more to the media and talk show hosts than fans.

This whole argument can actually break several ways:

1) Caitlin was surrounded by pedestrian talent at Iowa. When she joins the WNBA she'll flourish, especially on the assist side. Girls at Iowa
either couldn't handle her passes or couldn't convert once they received the ball. Better players as teammates: more assists.

2) Clark will struggle in the WNBA. As Diana Taurasi points out, she's been feasting on a steady diet of hapless 18-year-old little girls in college. Now that she'll be facing "grown women" in the W, her obviously overhyped skills will be exposed and she'll be relegated to
the mediocrity that those in the know have been pointing out all along.

3) Clark obviously makes those around her better with her passing skills and as a decoy to draw defenses to her, therefore making life
easier for her teammates. But what if Clark's teammates along with her coach's system actually make Caitlin better? Their ability to put
the team first and realize they'd be more successful by embracing her talents while humbling themselves is not easy to do, especially
the buy-in seen by an entire team.

4) Will a team of pros be real pros, in the sense their primary objective is to win. Or will they be pros simply by being paid for playing the
game? Will they succumb to pettiness and hazing to make a new player earn their place, or will they do their best to integrate her into
the team....regardless of her skill level. Maybe she will be ordinary; perhaps she'll elevate to become an WNBA star as well. It seems as
if the Fever are willing to take this path, even if the rest of the league isn't on board.

Will be an interesting ride, especially with the heightened audience that's going to be following.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Within 6 weeks we will put all these opinions to rest. It won’t take long to determine whether Caitlin is ready to play against a team full of pros and how much playing with a team full of pros elevates her game. I’ll be glad when that happens because I am absolutely tired of all the new WBB fans giving their opinions. And this refers more to the media and talk show hosts than fans.

Yes! I have no problem with the CC hype (she's earned it), but I can do without clowns like Stephen A Smith and Pat McAfee (among others) telling me what my eyes have already sensed. Just because you can now name ONE WBB player does not make you a WNBA expert.

 

[diggerfoot]

I think that Caitlin Clark may already be the best player ever in the women's game. She does have a lot to prove but what she did with a very average Iowa team is quite remarkable. All you have to do to beat them is defend CC and very few teams were able to do that when it mattered.

I am really excited to see what she can do when she is surrounded by other players that can actually play the game a a professional level. As far as the Olympics are concerned they need fans to watch and nobody tunes to watch a women play like fans do for CC.

Still with the average teammates narrative. There are three paradoxes to Clark’s game.

First. We do not know if she is a two way player. She may be able to play defense and Iowa was just protecting her, but until she proves she is a two way player how can she be considered the “best player ever?” Curry may be considered the best shooter ever, but no one puts him in the same category as Jordan, Bryant, Bird or other greats who were two way players.

Second, and this is what really gets me about Clark’s “average“ teammates. Take away Clark’s numbers and the rest of the team shot over 53% for the past two years. This past year they shot 8% better than Clark. 8% better!!! Has any other player in the “greatest” conversation ever shot 8% worse than his/her collective teammates. Ever?! Perhaps Allen Iverson, but I doubt it. 8%. If you think Clark will be considered an all star in the pros if her teammates shoot 8% collectively better, think again. Meanwhile, I bet that ”average” Iowa team is going to finish much higher next year than everyone suspects.

Third. Has any “greatest“ guard averaged 4.7 turnovers before? A serious question. Has any? Now this can be excused due to Iowa’s high possession per game offense, and Clark’s ball dominance in that high possession offense, but then that diminishes her high assists achievement, particularly considering her teammates shoot at 53%. Bottom line, Clark averaged 1.87 A/T ratio last season, not bad, not great.

 

[Mr. Cam]

Within 6 weeks we will put all these opinions to rest. It won’t take long to determine whether Caitlin is ready to play against a team full of pros and how much playing with a team full of pros elevates her game. I’ll be glad when that happens because I am absolutely tired of all the new WBB fans giving their opinions. And this refers more to the media and talk show hosts than fans.

Within 6 weeks we will put all these opinions to rest. It won’t take long to
determine whether Caitlin is ready to play against a team full of pros and
how much playing with a team full of pros elevates her game.



At the 18:30 mark to the 20:45 mark Kelsey Plum discusses the transition from
the college game to the WNBA. She states that it took her FOUR to FIVE years
to be MORE like an all-star level player.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Caitlin Clark's third season, we will know if she is on the Bird track or tapped
out. I actually believe that Clark can BECOME a combination of Bird's playmaking
[6 ast. per game first season] and Taurasi's scoring [17pts per game first season].

As for Caitlin Clark's defensive skills, that is something she can work on in the off
season. No one expects her to become an all WNBA defender, but at the same time
she cannot remain a traffic cone defender either. If she can progress to somewhere
halfway between a traffic cone or more towards an all WNBA defender, the Fever
can live with that. She also has to get her TO ratio to 2 ast per TO or higher. Again,
the Fever can live with that.

My ultimate interest in Caitlin Clark is Team USA. The WNBA is the finishing school
for the Team USA roster.

 

[TheFarmFan]

Within 6 weeks we will put all these opinions to rest. It won’t take long to
determine whether Caitlin is ready to play against a team full of pros and
how much playing with a team full of pros elevates her game.



At the 18:30 mark to the 20:45 mark Kelsey Plum discusses the transition from
the college game to the WNBA. She states that it took her FOUR to FIVE years
to be MORE like an all-star level player.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Caitlin Clark's third season, we will know if she is on the Bird track or tapped
out. I actually believe that Clark can BECOME a combination of Bird's playmaking
[6 ast. per game first season] and Taurasi's scoring [17pts per game first season].

As for Caitlin Clark's defensive skills, that is something she can work on in the off
season. No one expects her to become an all WNBA defender, but at the same time
she cannot remain a traffic cone defender either. If she can progress to somewhere
halfway between a traffic cone or more towards an all WNBA defender, the Fever
can live with that. She also has to get her TO ratio to 2 ast per TO or higher. Again,
the Fever can live with that.

My ultimate interest in Caitlin Clark is Team USA. The WNBA is the finishing school
for the Team USA roster.

It's wild, wild to me how much talent ESPN has let go of in recent years in order to afford to pay McAfee to run his mouth all day. I love KP and it was so painful I couldn't get through 5 minutes of that interview. Wild...

 

[CL82]

She should be invited to try out. After that, it’s up to the coach.

She missed the last try out.

 

[cancontent]

This whole argument can actually break several ways:

1) Caitlin was surrounded by pedestrian talent at Iowa. When she joins the WNBA she'll flourish, especially on the assist side. Girls at Iowa
either couldn't handle her passes or couldn't convert once they received the ball. Better players as teammates: more assists.

2) Clark will struggle in the WNBA. As Diana Taurasi points out, she's been feasting on a steady diet of hapless 18-year-old little girls in college. Now that she'll be facing "grown women" in the W, her obviously overhyped skills will be exposed and she'll be relegated to
the mediocrity that those in the know have been pointing out all along.

3) Clark obviously makes those around her better with her passing skills and as a decoy to draw defenses to her, therefore making life
easier for her teammates. But what if Clark's teammates along with her coach's system actually make Caitlin better? Their ability to put
the team first and realize they'd be more successful by embracing her talents while humbling themselves is not easy to do, especially
the buy-in seen by an entire team.

4) Will a team of pros be real pros, in the sense their primary objective is to win. Or will they be pros simply by being paid for playing the
game? Will they succumb to pettiness and hazing to make a new player earn their place, or will they do their best to integrate her into
the team....regardless of her skill level. Maybe she will be ordinary; perhaps she'll elevate to become an WNBA star as well. It seems as
if the Fever are willing to take this path, even if the rest of the league isn't on board.

Will be an interesting ride, especially with the heightened audience that's going to be following.

This is where I'm at with the season fast approaching. The humbling comment had me pause though. Looking at who is on the roster (Samuelson, Boston, Berger, Hull, etc.), there are several players who came from programs where team came ahead of the individual. Have a hard time seeing players like them not buying in. It seemed like they were last season even though it was rough.

 

[CajunHusky]

This whole argument can actually break several ways:

1) Caitlin was surrounded by pedestrian talent at Iowa. When she joins the WNBA she'll flourish, especially on the assist side. Girls at Iowa
either couldn't handle her passes or couldn't convert once they received the ball. Better players as teammates: more assists.

2) Clark will struggle in the WNBA. As Diana Taurasi points out, she's been feasting on a steady diet of hapless 18-year-old little girls in college. Now that she'll be facing "grown women" in the W, her obviously overhyped skills will be exposed and she'll be relegated to
the mediocrity that those in the know have been pointing out all along.

3) Clark obviously makes those around her better with her passing skills and as a decoy to draw defenses to her, therefore making life
easier for her teammates. But what if Clark's teammates along with her coach's system actually make Caitlin better? Their ability to put
the team first and realize they'd be more successful by embracing her talents while humbling themselves is not easy to do, especially
the buy-in seen by an entire team.

4) Will a team of pros be real pros, in the sense their primary objective is to win. Or will they be pros simply by being paid for playing the
game? Will they succumb to pettiness and hazing to make a new player earn their place, or will they do their best to integrate her into
the team....regardless of her skill level. Maybe she will be ordinary; perhaps she'll elevate to become an WNBA star as well. It seems as
if the Fever are willing to take this path, even if the rest of the league isn't on board.

Will be an interesting ride, especially with the heightened audience that's going to be following.

That door swings both ways .... can Clark realize the team will be more succesful by embracing her teammates obvious talents while humbling herself?