“(Caitlin Clark’s) Numbers Are Better Than Diana Taurasi’s”: Shannon Sharpe Questions Mercury Legend’s Role in Paris Olympics

A week ago it was announced that Caitlin Clark would not represent Team USA at the Olympics. Since then, many people have chimed in with their opinions describing both sides of the story. On ESPN, Shannon Sharpe went all in on why the exclusion didn’t make sense. “Are we really trying to grow the game? Because this is the most popular women’s basketball player in the world and it ain’t close…” And now once again the former tight end has questioned Clark’s exclusion by singling out Diana Taurasi’s performance.

The first overall pick however has not added fuel to the fire by her comments but remains upbeat about her situation. But Shannon Sharpe has none of the subtlety as he blasts other team players’ selection over Clark. In a GQ exclusive interview, Shannon Sharpe expressed how snubbing Clark was not a great choice. When asked about if Clark deserved a bench role in the Olympics roster, the 21-year media veteran took shots at Diana Taurasi. The Instagram post from GQ had the caption- “Shannon Sharpe has some strong opinions about Caitlin Clark missing out on the Olympics.”

“Her (Caitlin Clark) numbers are better than Diana Taurasi’s across the board, so why is DT there—a legacy pick? And I love DT, but her numbers aren’t better than Caitlin Clark,” said Sharpe. He claims that the team will win the gold medal with or without Clark on the team. However, selecting her would have helped the game and the team in marketability. “Advertisers want to see her, people want to see her, give ‘em what they want.” But the 55-year-old later gave a shout-out to 3 veterans of the league.

“I love Breanna Stewart’s game; I’ve followed her career since college. I love A’ja Wilson; she went to the school my brother went to. I’d like to catch at least one DT game before she retires; I’d be disappointed if I didn’t see her play at least once.” He might love their game but is his assessment of Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi true?

Caitlin Clark vs DT in the season so far

After winning the Rookie Player for the Month in May, Caitlin Clark has definitely arrived. When asked about her Olympic snub, the Fever #22 even said, “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. Hopefully, when four years comes back around, I can be there.”

Currently, Taurasi is 13th in the league in scoring at 17 points per game, just ahead of Clark (15.6). Clark and Taurasi are tied for 2nd in 3-pointers made per game at 37. Clark is fourth in assists averaging 6 per game while Taurasi is averaging a mere 3.9. However, the stats have been very close, and previously Caitlin Clark was 14th in the league in scoring at 16.8 points per game, just a tick ahead of Taurasi (16.6.). So, Sharpe’s assessment is not completely wrong.

Caitlin Clark will be facing her college ‘villain’ in Angel Reese today. Reese even has embraced her villainous arc successfully as she set to wear custom-made shoes. The Chicago Sky star will wear the Joker-themed Reebok Solution customs which are hand-painted by Marvin Baroota.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.