“It is what it is.” Caitlin Clark may have ended the Olympics snub debate on her part with these words. Still, many people are seeing the faults in Team USA after their 56th win over Japan. Apart from just hitting 4 of 20 shots from beyond the arc, another aspect of the game that came out later was a shocker.

Team USA’s matchup against Japan only brought in 13,040 fans to the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille. Surprisingly, this number was 8000 below average for the team. It was also the lowest number out of all six opening games in the Paris Olympics. Hence, Stephen A. Smith reminds everyone why the Indiana Fever rookie should have been on the roster.

The ESPN analyst has always been blunt about his reasonings. Now that he sees his words come to life, Smith scorched Team USA for making the mistake of not taking Caitlin Clark with them. In the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the analyst mentioned how people attend the quadrennial event to grow their brands and elevate their profiles. This in turn generates money. “It was a perfect opportunity for Team USA to do just that. But you didn’t do it,” slammed Smith as WNBA is already wound up to lose $54 million this year.

He further mentioned Dawn Staley’s comments on Caitlin Clark’s snub and suggested how she could have helped draw fans with her game. Smith said, “You know she had the potential. You know playing amongst stars, her marksmanship, she could have made big things happen. With her passing abilities, she could’ve made things happen. Then, she would have drawn excitement and eyeballs and people world over would have been watching her. Which would have assisted in the elevation of the WNBA brand which would have benefited everybody. But you didn’t care.”

While Chelsea Gray did not let anyone miss Clark’s passes with 13 assists, seems like the marketability factor indeed did not work in Team USA’s favor. On the other hand, Caitlin Clark has seen growth in many ways.

How did Caitlin Clark’s break go?

“It was good to get a little reset.” The first overall pick certainly had a relaxing vacation. She, along with “the Indiana Fever mermaids” Katie Lou Samuelson and Lexie Hull had a short trip to Mexico. While the official break isn’t over yet, the Indiana Fever has returned to the house to put in some practices. In her recent media availability, Caitlin Clark again answered the elephant in the room.

She first commented on the practice scheduling due to which she cannot catch every Olympic event. However, she did add, “I’ve watched a good amount of it. I watched USA Women yesterday, that was fun. Watched USA men. I try to watch as much as I can. Obviously, the perfect time is during the practice.”

Further commenting on the snub, Clark mentioned, “I think the break’s definitely good. It’s cool. It’s like a once in a lifetime opportunity that you’re only gonna get in four years. I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily bummed.”

For the Des Moines native, not getting selected in the 12-player roster is only an opportunity to grow more into the sport. Certainly, she does hope to be there in the Los Angeles Summer Games next time. As for Team USA back in Paris, hopefully, the numbers will improve as the group-stage games continue.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.