Caitlin Clark deserves place on Olympic Team (and why she might land one)

The Indiana Fever are tied for the third-best winning percentage in the WNBA over their last 12 games. Long gone is their 1-9 start and thoughts of extending their playoff drought. Caitlin Clark can be thanked for that. The rookie took some time adjusting to the league and her team suffered, but fans are seeing her make history on a nightly basis as the Fever get back in contention.

Clark's improved play has unlocked the entire roster. Aliyah Boston looks unstoppable in the paint and Kelsey Mitchell gives Indiana three stars to build around. During their last 12 games, the Fever have topped three of the six franchises above them in the standings.

Clark is putting up historic numbers and making her case for already being one of the best in the world. She did not land a place on Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Olympics in Pairs, but fans can see why the 22-year-old deserved a spot. There is still a glimmer of hope too.

Caitlin Clark shows her greatness for the Indiana Fever

The 22-year-old was a historic prospect for several reasons, and they are on full display. Over the last 12 games, Clark averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 assists, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 37.5 minutes per game. She leads the league in assists by a wide margin and is in the top 20 in every other category.

The Fever have picked up their play on both ends of the floor and have the fifth-best net rating in the WNBA over their last 12 games. Clark is the engine of their attack and finding ways to get wins over the best players in the world.

Why Caitlin Clark is not on Team USA for the 2024 Olympics

The USA women’s basketball selection committee did not pick Clark to be among the 12 to represent the country in Paris. In June, committee chair Jen Rizzotti said this about Clark’s exclusion.

"It would be irresponsible for us to talk about [Caitlin Clark] in a way other than how she would impact the play of the team. Because it wasn’t the purview of our committee to decide how many people would watch or how many people would root for the U.S. It was our purview to create the best team we could for Cheryl."

Clark is not just increasing attendance and getting people to tune in. She is one of the best players in the world at 22 years old. Experience was another factor in not selecting Clark. She also is at her best with the ball in her hands. Team USA has plenty of talent and likely chose to go with a more off-ball player on their bench.

Clark is not currently on Team USA, but there is still a small glimmer of hope.

How Caitlin Clark could still make Team USA ahead of Paris

Fans saw the men’s squad replace Kawhi Leonard with Derrick White on July 10. Leonard is coming off an injury and was not ready for Paris.

The women are finishing up their WNBA slates before starting training camp and one injury could force them to find a replacement. Shams Charania reported Clark was one of two names atop the alternate list back in June.

If the Americans have an injury to a guard, Clark could be making the trip to Paris for her first Olympics. She wants to play for her country and would be ecstatic about the honor. Nobody is wishing for an injury, but things happen in sports.

Caitlin Clark figures to be on Team USA in 2028 as the Olympics come to Los Angeles. She may be the best player in the WNBA and an absolute superstar by that time. Fans can be sure that Clark will keep working and trying to make history, so stay tuned.