Diana Taurasi defends USA Basketball after Caitlin Clark snub: 'Always going to be controversy'

Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya argues Team USA missed a 'golden opportunity' by passing on Caitlin Clark considering her popularity and ability to bring new viewers to women's sports. 

Diana Taurasi is heading to her sixth Olympics later this year, representing Team USA on the court at age 42. 

But since the 12-woman roster was made official, who was left off the list has been the topic of conversation, specifically Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. 

Many believed Clark was worthy of being among the 12 heading to Paris in a couple of months. However, Taurasi defended the decision by USA Basketball, citing them wanting to pick the best 12 players to make up the perfect team rather than simply the 12 best individuals. 

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Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury shoots a free throw against the Dallas Wings during a Commissioner's Cup game on June 9, 2024, at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. (Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

"You know, whenever you’re trying to cut down to 12 players from this amazing pool of players, there’s always going to be controversy," Taurasi said, via Yahoo Sports. "There’s always going to be names like, ‘How’d that person not make it?’ I think you see that with All-Star teams, and the Olympic team really is just a collection of the best players. 

"At the end of the day, USA Basketball always has a firm grasp of what they need as a team. I think people kind of lose track of no matter what, you have to make sure that 12 players fit to form the best team – not necessarily the best players. 

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"So, whatever the 12 are, I think USA