Why Caitlin Clark didn't make the USA Basketball Olympics team? Closer look at Fever rookie exclusion amid reports of roster depth issue

Caitlin Clark is making headlines once again after being left off the USA roster for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The young Indiana Fever star comes from a historical run in college, finishing her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes as the scoring leader in NCAA Division I basketball.

She's now trying to make the same impact on the Fever and the WNBA altogether, although the start of her career hasn't been the most desired. The exclusion of Clark from the roster was a big surprise for many who were trying to find out the reason behind it.

According to two anonymous WNBA veterans, Clark's popularity combined with the likely limited minutes to play could become an issue for the team. The No. 1 overall pick in April's draft has millions of followers who would love to see her represent the country in France.

Then again, things could go left quickly, considering veteran guards like Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum and even Diana Taurasi would have an advantage over Caitlin Clark in the pecking order.

Isabel Baldwin of the Daily Mail adds that head coach Cheryl Reeve may have favored experience, closing the door for the rookie. They have enough firepower to defend the gold medal they've been winning since 1996.

Bill Bender of Sporting News suggests that the Indiana Fever's slow start to the 2024 WNBA might have something to do with this decision, too. They have played 12 games since the start of the season, boasting a 3-9 record in the Eastern Conference. Clark has shown interesting things on the court, but she's still adapting to the league.

Which players were selected over Caitlin Clark for the USA roster for the Paris Olympics?

USA Basketball picked 12 players to represent the country in the upcoming tournament. A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart lead the list of 12 stars that will compete in Paris.

Accompanying them are Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper.

There may come a time when Clark will be leading the Team USA squad but for now, she will cheer for the current roster picked.