"Don’t Know How We Left the Country Without Her": Lisa Leslie Takes Firm Position on Team USA’s Caitlin Clark Decision

“She better be on the Olympic team,” Leslie had said back then. “We should not leave the country without her. She’s a bona fide baller. There’s no doubt she’s already one of the best players in the world.”

May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the second half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

But as reality set in, Lisa Leslie’s statement found no solid footing. Caitlin Clark’s name couldn’t make it to the list. Instead, the Team USA Selection Committee went with a more veteran-laden squad. Committee chair Jen Rizzotti had shared that there were players who just couldn’t have been left out for Clark.

“When you base your decision on criteria, there were other players that were harder to cut because they checked a lot more boxes,” she had said.

Of course, the snub was worthy of a discussion. And analysts like Stephen A. Smith lashed out at the decision, citing that it “compromises what your (Team USA’s) ultimate goal is.” But for Clark, she wasn’t “disappointed”, as it just gave her “something to work for.”

Eventually, Team USA went on to win an 8th straight Olympic gold medal in the French capital. But Clark wasn’t in that frame, dreaming far away from donning the red and blue jersey for Team USA. Fast forward two years, and her dream is slowly gaining momentum.

Earlier in the year, she made it to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers. She made an immediate impact, earning tournament MVP honors. And with this momentum, it’s quite certain that Clark will earn a place in the FIBA World Cup squad later this year.

Furthermore, in the prime years of Clark’s career, the 2028 LA Olympics call-up is just a matter of time, where Leslie’s call will eventually find some substance. But before that, the WNBA legend does have something more to say about Caitlin Clark’s ongoing WNBA endeavors.

Lisa Leslie Isn’t Concerned About Caitlin Clark’s Latest On-Court Struggles

Last week, the WNBA finally got its crown jewel back. Caitlin Clark finally returned to the league for the first time since July last year, when she had to sit out the majority of the season due to a groin injury. But fast forward to two games in the season, and it felt like CC never left the court.

Back-to-back 20+ points games against Dallas and LA just add weight to it. But the one skill that has been her bread and butter for years now seems a bit rusty for the first time in her career. Three-point shooting has been Clark’s staple, one that has landed her in comparisons with Steph Curry.

But in these first two games, Clark has scored just 3 of 16 attempts from beyond the arc. It’s a surprising stat for CC, but for Lisa Leslie, it’s not daunting for her or the Indiana Fever.

“I would never be concerned about Caitlin Clark’s three-point shooting,” Leslie said. “I think it’s just a great addition to her game, but she’s a great point guard, and I think she makes that team better.”

“Caitlin’s three-point shooting is just icing on the cake,” she added further. “She has such deep range. Defense is obviously aware where she is, and so she’s getting a lot of pressure out there. She’s a competitor. She’s a fighter. And I won’t be worried about that three-point shot.”

Leslie’s assessment makes sense. Despite her cold three-point shooting nights, Caitlin Clark has still managed to find a strong footing from the paint. The layups are coming efficiently. And so are her pinpoint-accurate assists to her teammates.

And considering her prolonged absence from the league, it just might be that CC is still finding her momentum from beyond the arc. With a bit more time this season, her efficiency on three-pointers will also return for good. And with it, the Indiana Fever will also find a new dynamic on offense, as Lisa Leslie believes.

Trending Articles

• Jason Day’s Bold PGA Championship Look Sparks Instant Fan Backlash
• PGA Championship Official Details Strict New Locker Room Conduct Hours Ahead of Major: ‘If a Player…’

The post "Don’t Know How We Left the Country Without Her": Lisa Leslie Takes Firm Position on Team USA’s Caitlin Clark Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.