Monica McNutt Defends Team USA’s Decision to Leave Caitlin Clark Behind for 2024 Paris Olympics; Commends Rookie’s Reaction

For many, the decision not to include Caitlin Clark in the national team came as a huge surprise. The 6 foot was deemed to be a worthy inclusion after her record-breaking penultimate season of college basketball. However, halting the Olympic journey of the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer seems justified in the eyes of some.

Basketball analyst, host, ESPN reporter, and NY Knicks Radio analyst Monica McNutt is among the headlines again. She was the latest guest for American comedian and writer John Stewart on The Daily Show. During their various discussions relating to women’s basketball, one of the segments focused on the snub of Caitlin Clark from the Olympics. To which McNutt said, “Caitlin Clark is a tremendous competitor said herself ‘That’s the toughest team to make’. She can say that and she can also feel as if something in her has been awoken in terms of making that a goal of her own.”

McNutt then went on and expressed her views regarding the narrative that Caitlin Clark’s arrival has surged the popularity of the WNBA. She added, “She’s been great for the league, but there were 144 women prior to her and this class that had gotten this thing up to year 28.” 

This comes after Caitlin Clark has put forth her honest reactions to this Olympic development.

Caitlin Clark will be rooting for the Olympic team to bring home the gold

A very mature and sporting feedback was extended by the 22-year-old when she was asked about her initial thoughts. She said, “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team.” Clark also added that this news also serves as a huge source of motivation for her in the upcoming years. She expressed, “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.” 

Prior to this, Fever’s head coach Christie Sides also shared a similar approach from Caitlin Clark following the news. In her interaction with the media, she quoted Clark as saying, “Hey, coach, they woke a monster.” The incident transpired when the team was on the bus gearing up for the game against the Washington Mystics.

The opinions vary on whether or not Caitlin Clark should have been included or not. Anyhow, fans will hope that this doesn’t affect her game in any way. As conveyed earlier by her, they will be looking forward to seeing the monster.

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