Diana Taurasi injury could open 2024 Olympics path for Caitlin Clark
With the 2024 Olympics just around the corner, the status of one of Team USA’s biggest stars in women’s basketball is uncertain.
Diana Taurasi, a six-time Olympian, has been sidelined due to a leg injury, missing three of the last four games for the Phoenix Mercury. She is also set to miss Friday’s game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Despite her age, the 42-year-old Taurasi has maintained impressive stats in 2024, averaging 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. However, it remains unclear if her injury will affect her availability for the Olympics. If Taurasi is unable to compete in Paris, it could pave the way for Caitlin Clark, who was named an alternate after not making the primary roster.
Clark’s exclusion sparked significant debate, with Casey Wasserman, president of the 2028 Olympic Organizing Committee in Los Angeles, labeling it a “missed opportunity” given Clark’s generational talent.
Taurasi herself commented on Clark’s exclusion, emphasizing the adjustment required at higher levels of play. “The game of basketball is all about evolving,” Taurasi said. “It’s all about getting comfortable with your surroundings. College basketball is much different than the WNBA and overseas."
During the pre-draft process, Taurasi had been critical of Clark and other 2024 rookies, suggesting that they would face a tough transition to professional basketball. “Reality is coming for Clark and the other rookies,” Taurasi had remarked.
However, Taurasi’s tone softened following the Mercury’s 88-82 loss to the Fever on June 30. “It’s amazing what Caitlin’s been able to do in her short career so far,” Taurasi acknowledged. “It’s been nothing short of remarkable. What she’s done for the game has been pretty incredible and [having] that momentum coming out of college, eyes on you for four years straight, is commendable
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