Stephen A. Smith, a fiery and unapologetic voice in sports media, did not hold back when discussing Team USA’s decision to leave Caitlin Clark off their Olympic roster. While the choice to omit one of the most popular and talented players in women’s basketball may have seemed logical from a pure basketball standpoint, Stephen A. argued it was a massive missed opportunity—not just for the team, but for the growth of women’s sports as a whole.

The Controversy: Caitlin Clark Left Out

Caitlin Clark, who was the number one pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, had a sensational college career and has since taken the professional stage by storm. Despite putting up 30 points in a thrilling game against the Washington Mystics, Clark was not selected to represent Team USA in the upcoming Olympics. The snub has caused quite a stir, as many believe Clark’s electrifying presence and immense popularity would have been a huge asset to Team USA, both on and off the court.

Team USA’s roster, which boasts an impressive collection of players with multiple Olympic golds, MVPs, and WNBA championships, is undoubtedly stacked. Veterans like Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson headline the team, and the squad is aiming for an eighth consecutive gold medal—a streak that would make history in women’s basketball.

However, despite the team’s incredible pedigree, Stephen A. strongly believes leaving Clark off the roster was a mistake that goes beyond basketball strategy.

The Marketing Missed Opportunity

For Stephen A., the decision was about more than just putting the best players on the court. It was also about the bigger picture—using the Olympic stage to elevate the sport and grow the game globally. He passionately argued that Caitlin Clark is not just a great basketball player; she’s a cultural phenomenon. In terms of marketability, few can match the attention Clark generates.

“How many WNBA games have had to be moved to an NBA arena because of one player?” Stephen A. asked, highlighting Clark’s ability to draw massive crowds. When she played against the Washington Mystics, the game had to be moved to an NBA arena due to the overwhelming demand for tickets. This kind of buzz and excitement is rare in the WNBA, and Stephen A. believes that Team USA missed an incredible opportunity to tap into that energy.

Clark is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world right now, and her inclusion on the Olympic team would have brought new eyes to the game, expanding its global reach. The WNBA has struggled for years with low attendance, low salaries, and minimal mainstream recognition. But Caitlin Clark has the power to change that, not only through her talent but through the visibility and marketing she brings to the table.

The Argument for Experience: Is It Enough?

Stephen A. acknowledged the argument made by analysts like Chanae and Andrea Carter that Team USA chose to prioritize experience over new talent. With players like Taurasi, Chelsea Gray, and Sabrina Ionescu, the roster is full of players who have already played in multiple Olympics and have deep international experience. The team chemistry that these players share is valuable, especially in a tournament like the Olympics, where cohesion and familiarity on the court are critical.

However, Stephen A. questioned whether sticking rigidly to experience was the best choice, especially given the stakes. While Team USA’s odds of winning a gold medal are high, whether or not Clark is on the roster, he pointed out that the Olympic Games are also about creating lasting moments and growing the sport.

In his view, Team USA should not only be worried about winning the gold but should also be thinking about how to elevate the game for future generations. The decision to exclude Clark, despite her immense potential to boost the popularity of women’s basketball, struck him as shortsighted.

The Dream Team Comparison: A Missed Legacy Moment

Stephen A. also brought up the example of the 1992 Dream Team, which famously included players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird—arguably the greatest collection of talent in basketball history. But it also included Christian Laettner, a college star who had less professional experience than several of the players left off the team, including Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning. While Laettner had an outstanding college career, his inclusion was seen by many as a marketing move, designed to create a legacy and bring more attention to the Olympics.

Stephen A. drew a parallel between Laettner’s selection and the decision to omit Caitlin Clark. He argued that Team USA’s role has always included an element of legacy-building, and including Clark would have been a similar move in the modern era. The Olympic stage is not just about basketball; it’s about making a statement and creating lasting impact.

In his eyes, Team USA should have embraced the opportunity to integrate Clark into the squad, not just because of her on-court talent, but because of the potential to elevate the sport and the WNBA in the global marketplace. In doing so, they would have strengthened the future of women’s basketball, something the team and the league desperately need.

Stephen A.’s Final Verdict: A Bad Decision

In the end, Stephen A. didn’t mince words. He labeled Team USA’s decision to exclude Caitlin Clark as “stupid” and a missed opportunity. While he respected the players on the roster and acknowledged their incredible achievements, he firmly believed that Clark’s inclusion would have been a game-changer for women’s basketball—both for the Olympics and for the WNBA’s future.

“How could you not put Caitlin Clark on that team?” Stephen A. exclaimed. “This is the most popular woman’s basketball player in the world right now. She’s bringing in crowds, she’s making headlines, and she could have helped elevate the whole sport to new heights. This was a chance to change the game, and Team USA blew it.”

Ultimately, while Team USA will likely still win the gold, the question remains: Did they make the right decision for the future of women’s basketball? Stephen A. believes that in the long run, the answer is clear: by leaving Caitlin Clark off the roster, they missed an opportunity to build a legacy that could have benefitted the sport for years to come.