Julius Erving Supports Caitlin Clark Being Left Off Olympic Roster, But Shares Legitimate Reason Why
Caitlin Clark being left off of the U.S. women's basketball roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics has caused a division of opinion. Either you believe it's one of the most ridiculous decisions in the history of modern sports - which is fair - or you're fine with the most popular player in the sport being left off of the roster.
NBA legend Julius Erving finds himself in the latter camp, but unlike many claiming that Clark doesn't ‘deserve' a spot on the Olympic team because, he shared legitimate reasons why it's not necessarily a bad situation for the WNBA rookie.
"I think that she’s probably going to be a part of the next three Olympic teams, and three would be plenty because there’s risk associated with being a part of this particular Olympic team," Erving told Fox News.
"The world plays a different game than the WNBA, much more physical, much more trying. She’s been going straight through on a juggernaut with her NCAA success and also in the WNBA season so far, which is not even over."
"It’s a first year for a young player – male or female, it don’t matter – and it’s always tough," he continued. "You hit a wall at some point. I would just hate to see her in the Olympics this particular year, sitting over on the bench hurt, or injured, or tired and hitting that wall."
"So, slow your roll a little bit. She’s doing commercials, she’s doing things that are making a difference in the game, and she’s been tremendous. She’ll make an even greater difference if she’s allowed to let things happen when it’s supposed to happen."
Clark not being a part of the squad heading to Paris is a travesty. She's the most popular player in women's basketball and would do nothing but promote and grow the game on the national stage, whether she played four minutes a game or 30 in the Olympics.
Having said that, Erving's take on the situation certainly isn't the worst we've heard since Clark's snub. The former Iowa star will have plenty of opportunities to represent the U.S. if she has a lengthy career. USA Basketball not striking while the iron is at its hottest is an undeniable mistake, but it will coast to another gold medal this summer and then be able to turn the page to a new era after the fact.
At least that would be the strategy that would make the most sense, which USA Basketball may be lacking in the common sense department.