Caitlin Clark has had a tough run ever since her WNBA debut. Right from on-court brute physicality and trash-talk to off-court verbal volley of critics. While the rookie continued to cross the hurdles with her consistent performance, the 22-year-old got caught in another round of debate. This time, it’s about her Paris Olympics snub. While the critics, including the veteran baller Diana Taurasi, welcomed Clark’s snub, she received rousing support from fans. More importantly, the rising star received rare support from the LA Lakers legend, Mychal Thompson.

The 69-year-old baller took to his X handle and dropped enthusiastic praise on her shooting and assisting skills amid the Olympic snub debate. Moreover, Thompson is the father of 4x NBA Champ, Klay Thompson. didn’t stop at that. He went on to take a sly dig at the women’s basketball team that flew to the Paris Olympics.

The post read, “Wait…Yall watchin Caitlin Clark? Yeah…SHE didnt belong on the Olympic team…The girl is puttin on a passing and shooting show against the “Olympians” who DIDNT want her on the team…Caitlin needs to open up a Vision Center becuz the girl has VISION…”

Moreover, this isn’t the first time when Mychal Thompson spoke about Caitlin Clark. Ahead of the Olympics snub, the legend addressed blatant criticisms of Clark’s ability and gave an acronym reflecting the player’s behavior towards the Indiana Fever rookie.

Speaking on a show with Dan Dakich, Thompson said, “JEEP is an acronym that I’ve come up with about the way she has been treated and not welcomed into the WNBA … the acronym stands for jealousy, envy, egos, and pettiness: J-E-E-P, JEEP. That’s the way the women have treated her, especially the old guard, the stars.” 

Speaking of “Old guard”, it was 19-year WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi, who sparked the debate on Clark’s presence on the Olympic roster.

How did Diana Taurasi light up the Olympic snub debate?

Diana Taurasi has been critical of Clark since the rookie’s debut. Notably, she even received backlash for criticisms as well. And, reacting to it, she said, “The new fans are really sensitive these days. You can’t say anything.” The fans’ uproar came in right after she said, “Reality is coming,” and expected the NCAA sensation to struggle in the WNBA. While the opposite occurred, Taurasi didn’t really have anything more to say.

However, the 5x Olympic gold medalist indirectly picked on the rookie once again after her Olympics snub. Taurasi added, “The game of basketball is all about evolving. It’s all about getting comfortable with your surroundings… College basketball is much different than the WNBA than it is overseas.” 

Nevertheless, on the other hand, Clark, unfazed by the noise surrounding the snub, dropped an inspiring statement. Ahead of the tournament, she said, “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way… Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for; it’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that.” 

In her rookie season, Clark has averaged 17.1 ppg with an impressive 8.2 apg, marking as a true traditional guard. In the years to come, the WNBA world is truly up for a lot of marvels.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.