Kevin Durant sides with selectors over Caitlin Clark snub from Team USA for Paris Olympics

Kevin Durant will attempt to win his fourth Olympic medal this year.

Kevin Durant sides with selectors over Caitlin Clark snub from Team USA for Paris Olympics

Kevin Durant and Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark‘s snub from the Olympic squad has generated a lot of controversy in the basketball world. As many were upset by the decision, the men’s team superstar Kevin Durant has chosen the other side. Durant showed approval of the decision as he believed there were better candidates than the Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation.

Caitlin Clark‘s arrival on the professional level has taken the WNBA by storm. The 22-year-old’s unreal skills have made her the fan favorite in no time. Hence, it was expected that the viewers would be upset by Clark not being on Team USA. However, during an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Kevin Durant took the side of the selectors as he believed that Clark was not ready yet. 

I still think there’s proper steps you gotta take in our world to be considered an Olympian. I think she’s definitely going to be on one of these teams going forward, but right now there’s better candidates out there I think.
Kevin Durant via Wall Street Journal
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WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi gave a similar response, as she also believed that Clark would get more chances in the future. Durant is also not entirely wrong, as Clark lacks experience, considering the other players on Team USA. Durant spoke about ‘steps’ as Clark is still a rookie, and she struggled at the beginning of her professional games.

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However, despite his statement, Durant acknowledged Clark’s popularity and impact on the game. The gold medalist told Clark to keep going, as her improved performance would help the league grow even more. The 35-year-old also stated that Clark has helped shine the light on legendary players like A’ja Wilson.

Kevin Durant was shocked after watching Caitlin Clark for the first time

Despite his opinion about her Olympic snub, Durant has shown nothing but support for Clark. The Fever’s guard was chosen as the first overall pick, considering her incredible run at the college level. As most of the basketball fans were stunned by her skills, Durant saw her potential even before that.

Last year, during a podcast appearance, Durant recalled watching Clark for the first time. The former MVP was shocked as she commanded the game in the AAU Girls Nationals. The star praised the team as well, but Clark caught his attention. 

She just commanded the whole game. I said, ‘Who the hell is this? She is nice.' And they was like, ‘She's the best player in the country.' I was like, ‘Oh damn, I see it now.'
Kevin Durant via Women Hooping
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Clark herself was surprised by Durant’s statement as she did not expect the star to acknowledge her. Clark revealed during an interview that she has grown up watching Durant and even called him one of the best players ever. Considering this, Clark may not be offended by Durant’s take on her Olympics snub as the star has shown his appreciation towards her in the past.

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