Paul Pierce deems Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese omissions as ‘mind-boggling’ as duo stack one-of-one records (Images via Imagn)

WNBA rookie standouts Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continue to put everyone on notice with their amazing performances. They continue to break league records while displaying utter confidence in their ability to compete at a high level.

However, Clark and Reese weren’t included in the USA Women’s Basketball team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This puzzled many people, including Celtics legend Paul Pierce.

There’s no denying the level of talent and experience on this year’s roster, with the likes of Mercury’s Diana Taurasi to Aces’ A’ja Wilson. Be that as it may, Clark and Reese are two of the most popular WNBA athletes today.

Pierce shared his opinions during his appearance on FS1’s Undisputed, which was also posted on X.

“The more and more I see Caitlin as the year goes on man, it’s just mind-boggling how the Olympic team dropped the ball on this,” Pierce said. “I can’t believe they left her and Angel Reese. … It’s a travesty the more and more I see these two women continue to make history. … It’s mind-boggling that she’s not going to be in Paris. …”

Pierce highlighted how Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Sky’s Angel Reese continue to make records that no WNBA history player has ever accomplished.

In last Saturday’s game between the Fever and Liberty, Caitlin Clark made history by being the first WNBA rookie to put up a triple-double stat line of 19 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese also accomplished a feat with her consecutive outings of double-double performances. She recorded her 14th straight double-double in the Sky’s 78-69 victory against the Atlanta Dream last Wednesday night.

Whether it was the right call or not to exclude them from the 2024 Olympics roster, the two rookies would most certainly get a call the next time around.

Caitlin Clark discussed being ecstatic about the 2024 Women’s Olympic Team for USA Basketball

Despite posting incredible numbers as a rookie, the Fever guard was not included in this year’s Olympic Team. However, it wasn’t enough to derail the spirits of Clark, who is nothing short of excited to watch and root for the team, as per IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson.

“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” Clark said. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world, and I know it could’ve gone either way of me being on the team, me not being on the team. I’m excited for them, I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold.”

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark (Credit: IMAGN)
From Caitlin Clark’s perspective, it’s all about appreciating what the 2024 USA Women’s Team represents and can bring to the court. Not being included in the roster is not something the rookie places much emphasis on.

It’s the right mindset to have for someone like Clark, who is still in the process of making a name for herself in the league.

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Edited by Akshay Saraswat