Despite not being selected for the U.S. Olympic team, Caitlin Clark has proven herself to be one of the best passers in the WNBA, leading the league in assists and showcasing exceptional court vision and passing skills.
Caitlin Clark's remarkable performance in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has ignited a discussion about whether she should have been included on the U.S. Olympic roster. Despite not making the cut, Clark has emerged as a dominant force in the league, leading the Indiana Fever to several victories and showcasing her exceptional passing skills.
According to Hall of Famer and basketball analyst Rebecca Lobo, Clark is already considered "the best passer in the league" after just half a season in the WNBA. Lobo, who spoke on SiriusXM NBA Radio, praised Clark's incredible court vision and ability to involve her teammates.
Caitlin Clark's Dominance in the WNBA Raises Questions about Her Olympic Snub
Clark's passing prowess is evident in her league-leading 8.2 assists per night. Head coach Christie Sides believes the team has adapted to Clark's unique style of ball movement, which often leads to successful offensive plays.
However, Lobo acknowledges that Clark's turnovers can be a concern, averaging 5.6 per game. She explains that Clark's high turnover rate stems from her aggressive style of play and willingness to take risks with her passes.
Caitlin Clark's Dominance in the WNBA Raises Questions about Her Olympic Snub
Despite the occasional turnover, Clark's passing skills have been widely recognized. She recently set the WNBA record for assists in a single game with 19, and she had 10 assists in the WNBA All-Star Game, just one shy of the record held by Sue Bird.
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, who played alongside Clark in the All-Star Game, expressed her admiration for Clark's passing ability. Reese stated that she instinctively ran to Clark for the ball, knowing that she would receive an accurate pass.
Caitlin Clark's Dominance in the WNBA Raises Questions about Her Olympic Snub
Lobo believes that Clark's turnovers will diminish and other aspects of her game will improve as she gains more experience in the WNBA. She specifically mentioned Clark's potential to enhance her three-point shooting, which currently stands at 32.7% on 8.3 attempts per game.
Despite the absence of flashy highlights that characterized her college career, Clark continues to make an impact in the WNBA with her exceptional passing. Her peers, including Lobo and Reese, have expressed awe at her court vision and ability to distribute the ball effectively.
While Clark's Olympic snub may have raised eyebrows, her dominant performance in the WNBA serves as a testament to her talent and potential. It remains to be seen whether she will receive a future Olympic call-up, but her current level of play suggests that she has the skills to compete at the highest level.
