Before we dive into some of the coarser commentary surrounding Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, you should know her own comments rang much calmer. “I think it just gives you something to work for,” Clark shared of her thought process surrounding the decision (via AP News). “Hopefully, one day, I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully, when four years comes back around, I can be there,” she continued. Clark also expressed her excitement for the team of women who made the lineup. “Going to be rooting them on to win gold,” she said. “I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics. It’ll be fun to watch them.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also commented on Clark not making Team USA, and he wasn’t exactly enthused by the decision. While Silver stated that the NBA and WNBA operated independently from the selection committee for USA Basketball, and that he believed they made the best decision for their organization, he wanted a different outcome for Clark. “I’d say from my standpoint, and I’m independent from USA Basketball − somebody whose job is to oversee the NBA and ultimately the WNBA − I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed, but it would’ve been nice to see her on the floor,” shared Silver during a charity event by NBA Cares in June 2024 (via USA Today).
Silver also was confident that Clark would get another shot in the future.