Caitlin Clark Could Lose Starting Role With Team USA As Coach Reveals FIBA Challenge
Team USA coach has revealed a FIBA challenge that could impact Caitlin Clark's starting role in the upcoming tournament.
Video Transcript
Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest stars on Team USA heading into the twenty twenty-six FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, but her starting role remains uncertain.
Team USA opens its campaign against China on September fourth in Berlin.
The roster includes stars such as Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, while A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum have withdrawn.
Sports host Rachel DeMita believes Clark could begin the tournament coming off the bench.
DeMita pointed to Clark's experience during the World Cup qualifying tournament earlier this year.
Clark played all five games but was the last player on the roster to enter the starting lineup.
She eventually started against New Zealand before returning to the bench against Spain.
Despite that, Clark dominated the tournament.
She was named MVP, led Team USA in assists with six point four per game, and averaged eleven point six points while shooting fifty-two point nine percent from the field.
DeMita explained that international basketball can treat starting lineups differently, with some teams bringing key players off the bench depending on rotations.
However, she believes Team USA should traditionally start its best players.
Team USA head coach Kara Lawson has not ruled out any role for Clark.
Lawson said the team had not finalized minutes or roles and highlighted Clark's ability to create pace, score, playmake, and stretch the floor.
Lawson also acknowledged an important unknown, how international opponents will defend Clark compared with WNBA teams.
Clark enters the World Cup after a career-best WNBA season, averaging twenty-two point five points and eight point four assists while shooting forty-five point six percent from the field.
Her shooting range and playmaking make her one of Team USA's most dangerous offensive weapons.
While Clark may not start every game, her impact could ultimately matter more than her place in the opening lineup.
Her qualifying performance showed she can control games regardless of when she enters.
