The Caitlin Clark effect on women’s basketball has been nothing short of monumental. From her record-breaking performances to her massive fan following, Clark has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA. Yet, despite her undeniable impact and talent, she was conspicuously left off the Team USA roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics—a decision that has sparked significant controversy.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, tore into Team USA and the WNBA players who supported the decision to exclude Clark. Smith’s fiery critique highlighted what many fans and analysts have been thinking: leaving Caitlin Clark off the roster was not only a bad move from a talent perspective but also a catastrophic marketing blunder.

Caitlin Clark’s Massive Impact

Clark’s rise has been meteoric. Her stellar performances have drawn eyes to a sport that, as Smith bluntly put it, “no one gave a [__] about” before she stepped onto the scene. Despite constant pleas from media and activists for decades to pay attention to women’s basketball, it is Clark who has finally managed to capture the public’s interest. Her omission from Team USA, therefore, seems both illogical and counterproductive.

The Decision’s Fallout

Reports suggest that Team USA Women’s Basketball deliberately snubbed Clark due to concerns about her fan base potentially reacting negatively if she didn’t get enough playing time. This reasoning, Smith argues, is absurd. If Clark’s talent and performance are on par with her peers—which they undoubtedly are, given her top-15 ranking in points and top-5 in assists in the WNBA—then she deserves a spot on the team.

Stephen A. Smith’s Blistering Response

On ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith did not mince words, calling out Team USA for their decision. He drew parallels to historical selections, such as Christian Laettner’s inclusion in the 1992 Dream Team over Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning, pointing out that marketing considerations have always played a role in such decisions.

“Don’t sit up there and pass on Caitlin Clark,” Smith exclaimed. “It was a dumb decision.” He emphasized that the ultimate goal of Team USA should be to elevate the WNBA brand, a goal that Clark’s inclusion would undoubtedly support.

The Bigger Picture

Smith’s critique wasn’t just about Clark’s omission but also about the broader implications for women’s basketball. He accused those in charge of being short-sighted and allowing jealousy to cloud their judgment. The decision to prioritize other players over Clark, especially when some have not performed at her level, seems driven by factors beyond mere basketball performance.

Smith also pointed out the irony of including players like Brittney Griner, who has struggled with injuries and performance issues, over a young star like Clark. This, he argued, reflects a deeper problem within the management of women’s basketball—a reluctance to embrace the new while clinging to the old.

The Need for Change

Smith’s call to action is clear: women’s basketball needs to embrace its rising stars and leverage their popularity to grow the sport. The snubbing of Caitlin Clark is not just a missed opportunity for Team USA but a setback for the entire sport. Her ability to draw fans and elevate the game is exactly what women’s basketball needs to achieve the recognition and respect it deserves.

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith’s passionate defense of Caitlin Clark underscores a critical issue in sports management: the need to balance talent and marketing to grow the game. By ignoring Clark, Team USA has made a decision that could hinder the progress of women’s basketball. As Smith aptly put it, “How can you be that idiotic and not make that call?”

Clark’s fans and many in the basketball community hope that this will be a wake-up call for those in charge to prioritize the sport’s growth and embrace its new stars. Only then can women’s basketball truly thrive and reach new heights.