Smith also believes another WNBA rookie star should’ve been selected to the US women’s basketball team
STEPHEN A. Smith stood by his stance that Team USA missed an opportunity to showcase Caitlin Clark during the Paris Olympics.
The 56-year-old ESPN star shared his thoughts on Clark not being part of the US women’s team that claimed the gold against France over the weekend.
Stephen A. Smith recently echoed his past opinion that the 2024 WNBA No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark should’ve been on the Team USA team that went on to win gold in the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: Youtube / Stephen A. Smith
The Iowa Hawkeyes rookie star Clark, along with a stellar rookie WNBA class, has helped the WNBA achieve record ratingsCredit: Getty
During his latest edition of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the First Take analyst acknowledged that the Americans “got it done” in their 67-66 gold medal game win versus the host country France.
But Stephen A. believes that Team USA didn’t receive an optimal amount of support at their games in Paris which could’ve been prevented if Clark made the squad according to him.
“There were approximately 13,000-plus people that showed up for Team USA‘s games for the women,” Smith said.
“I was just of the mindset that Caitlin Clark needed to be on the team.
“Box office matters. … Now, you came home with the gold. You handled your business.
“But when you talk about marketing the sport, I think Team USA missed an opportunity to elevate the profile of women’s excellence in the sport of basketball.”
Still, the Americans won their eighth straight gold medal and haven’t lost in Olympic play in 61 games.
Stephen A.’s latest comments echo his past sentiments during First Take.
When the news came out that Team USA didn’t pick Clark for the squad, Smith shared that she was snubbed from the team and said the Iowa Hawkeyes rookie star would’ve helped the US when it came “marketing.”
Stephen A. also shared his opinion on his self-titled podcast that rookie Angel Reese should’ve made the club.
“I’m just of the mindset that when you look Team USA basketball, I still think Caitlin Clark should have been on the team. And to a lesser degree, Angel Reese,” he said.
“I think she should have been on the team too.”
Both Clark and Reese have helped the WNBA’s popularity rise exponentially.
The pair appeared in the All-Star game as the once-college rivals and the league’s rookies played against Team USA.
Team USA won its eighth straight gold medal over the weekend and have won 61 consecutive games in Olympic playCredit: Getty
Clark and Reese helped claim the victory over the future Team USA gold winners.
The two stars got a much-needed break as they were drafted by their respective WNBA squads just weeks after the end of the college basketball season.
Reese traveled to Paris to watch both Team USA squads play in their exhibition games.
Clark, meanwhile, took a trip to New York over the weekend.
The NCAA all-time leading scorer got to watch the New York Yankees play where she met superstar Aaron Judge before the game.
It’s expected that Clark and Reese will be part of the US’s Olympic team in 2028.
News
WNBA – Shaquille O’Neal’s unrealistic request for Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark: “We just have to…
The debate is raging in the WNBA about Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, although the latter has probably just put an end to it with her latest…
NBA – Main reason behind Klay Thompson’s departure from Warriors revealed: “He had to…
After spending his career with the Warriors, Klay Thompson will be relaunching with the Mavericks starting next season. A place where he hopes to win the title,…
JO 2024 – Shaquille O’Neal merciless on France and the rest of the world: “I don’t think that…
After wearing his colours on several occasions, Shaquille O’Neal logically did not escape Team USA’s coronation at the Paris Olympic Games this summer. However, he went against…
NBA – Before the restart, fans are outraged about Wembanyama: “It’s unfair if he…
After a successful rookie season, Victor Wembanyama has bigger ambitions for the next one. But while he is already cited as the favorite for a new trophy,…
Udonis Haslem Has a Race Related Reason for Accepting LeBron and Bronny James’ Lakers Team-Up
The Los Angeles Lakers drafting Bronny James has been a hot topic of discussion for the past few months. The mainstream media has covered almost every aspect…
Teenage Mother Savannah James Reminisces Past to Offer Candid Advice on Managing Love Life
“He is truly a king to his queen, if you will.” That is what Savannah James had to say about her husband, the King. Now, the making of a legend…
End of content
No more pages to load