Team USA women's basketball is on track to win a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are leading the way, while Jackie Young has also stepped up and played well. Caitlin Clark, who is one of the most popular players in the WNBA, is not on the roster, however. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green believes Clark should be among the stars representing the USA at the Olympics.
"I think Caitlin Clark should have been on the USA team," Green said on The Draymond Green Show, via The Volume. "It's great for the brand... We talk brand any other time, let's not act like it don't matter now."
The WNBA is growing. Other players deserve credit as well. A'ja Wilson is arguably the best player in the league. She also has a great personality, making her one of the most beloved WNBA stars. Of course, rookie Angel Reese is among the most popular players in the league as well.
However, what Clark has done should not be overlooked. It began in college during her time at Iowa. Clark's incredible talent led many fans to watch her play. The popularity has carried over into the WNBA, as she was the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Draymond Green makes intriguing comparison
Green later compared the current state of the WNBA to where the NBA was in the early 1990's, using the 1992 Team USA men's basketball "Dream Team" as an example.
"Think about what the 1992... Dream Team did for the brand of basketball, the W (WNBA) is still in those phases of the NBA. The NBA during that time, the W is there," Green continued. "So it must be about spreading this globally, and she's the biggest global star in women's basketball."
Green then made it clear that he was not trying to disrespect any of the players on the USA women's basketball roster. In fact, he even made an extremely bold claim about A'ja Wilson's future in the league.
"Listen... the women we got over there, I think A'ja Wilson is going to be the GOAT. But like, just from a pure branding and marketing standpoint, Caitlin's the biggest."
Baron Davis, who was speaking on the show with Green as well, then said that Angel Reese should have also been on the team with Clark. Green agreed with Davis' statement.
The upside of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese not playing in 2024 Summer Olympics
Having Clark and Reese would have been a quality marketing decision. In the end, though, Team USA is still playing well. Additionally, Clark and Reese are receiving necessary rest.
The star rookies did not receive much of a break between the end of the college basketball season and the beginning of the WNBA campaign. Their teams are fighting for postseason spots, so both players will come back from this break ready for the final few weeks of the regular season.