The Olympics are drawing closer and so too is the U.S. women's basketball team's debut against the WNBA All-Stars. Fever rookie Caitlin Clark will play on the Team WNBA, at least for now.
Just as Napheesa Collier's injury did earlier this month, Brittney Griner's injury on Friday calls into question whether Clark will fill in on the Olympic squad. Currently an alternate for the team, Clark has settled into the WNBA and is currently averaging 16.8 points and 7.8 assists per game.
She is also coming off a 20-point performance on 50% shooting against Griner's Mercury, tallying her fifth straight double-double and tying a franchise record with 13 assists. Despite her impressive showing in the league over the past month, is filling Griner's spot realistic for the rookie?
Here's the latest on Clark's Olympic chances.
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Is Caitlin Clark going to the Olympics?
Phoenix's Griner left Friday's game against the Fever with what was initially called a right hip injury after colliding with teammate and fellow Olympic team member Kahleah Copper, per the Mercury. Before exiting the contest in the second quarter, she had four points and one assist in 11 minutes.
If the injury keeps Griner from playing in Paris, someone else will have to take her spot. Is Clark the best option?
Clark is considered an alternate for Team USA, but her selection would not be likely in place of Griner. Aside from a glaring height difference — Griner stands at 6-9 and Clark stands at 6-0 —Griner is a center and Clark is a guard. Though the rookie is obviously very talented, her skill-set doesn't necessarily match what is needed in Griner's place.
Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones, who stands at 6-3, is also among alternates who can assume Griner's position if needed. Other alternates aren't explicitly listed for the team, so besides Jones, it's up in the air who will step in.
That being said, a number of other Team USA players are dealing with injuries such as Collier, Diana Taurasi (lower left leg) and Breanna Stewart (right hamstring). Taurasi is a guard, so should she pull out, there is a much better chance of Clark filling in there than for Griner.
Brittney Griner injury update
Though it was initially reported that Griner sustained a hip injury, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbets addressed the situation after the game.
"What I've been told is a strained groin, so we will see," Tibbetts said after the game. "The medical staff decided to hold her out."
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The Mercury play again on Sunday morning, and more information about the severity of Griner's injury could be revealed when her status for the game is released. However, WNBA All-Star Weekend is looming and she will have to recover quickly either way if she's to take the court then.
