When Team USA announced its official roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, one glaring omission left fans, analysts, and players alike scratching their heads—Caitlin Clark was left off the team. As the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and a player who had dominated on the world stage, her exclusion sparked immediate controversy.

In a heated debate on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith and former WNBA player Andraya Carter locked horns over whether this decision was a blatant snub or a justified call by USA Basketball.

Here’s a breakdown of their fiery discussion and the differing viewpoints on Caitlin Clark’s omission from the Olympic roster.

Stephen A. Smith: “It’s a SNUB, Plain and Simple!”

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith wasted no time making his feelings clear. He firmly believes that leaving Caitlin Clark off the Olympic roster is nothing short of a disrespectful oversight.

“Let me be clear, this is a snub,” Stephen A. began. “You’ve got the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women’s basketball, a player who has transcended the sport, and you leave her off the team? Are you kidding me?”

Smith went on to argue that Clark’s impact on the sport, both on and off the court, made her inclusion an absolute no-brainer.

“Caitlin Clark is not just a great player; she is the face of women’s basketball. She’s brought new eyes to the game, she’s breaking records, and you’re telling me she’s not worthy of representing her country? That’s a major mistake.”

Stephen A. didn’t stop there, pushing back on the notion that Clark’s exclusion was based on anything other than her being too big of a star for some in the system to handle.

“They might say it’s about experience or team chemistry, but this is bigger than that. It’s about putting the best players on the court. And Caitlin Clark should absolutely be one of those players.”

Andraya Carter: “It’s About the Team, Not Just the Individual”

Andraya Carter, who has played in the WNBA and now serves as an analyst, took a more measured approach in her defense of the Team USA decision. While she acknowledged Clark’s incredible talent, Carter emphasized that the Olympics is not just about individual accomplishments—it’s about what’s best for the team.

“Look, Caitlin Clark is a phenomenal player, and no one is denying her greatness,” Carter said. “But the Olympics is about team dynamics, and there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a roster. You need players who can mesh together, who’ve played together before, and who understand the international game.”

Carter pointed out that Team USA has a wealth of experience, with multiple veteran players who have earned their spot through years of international play. She argued that while Clark is a star, there are players already familiar with Team USA’s system who may be better suited for the type of competition the Olympics presents.

“It’s not about leaving Caitlin Clark off because she’s not good enough—she’s more than good enough. But sometimes the team just needs balance, and you need players who’ve been through the fire.”

The Core of the Debate: Individual Stardom vs. Team Cohesion

At the heart of the debate was a fundamental question: Should the Olympics prioritize individual stardom, or is it more important to create a cohesive team unit?

Stephen A. pushed back strongly on the idea of team chemistry as a reason to omit Clark.

“What are we talking about here? Caitlin Clark is a winner. She’s proven she can fit into any system, and her ability to elevate her team makes her an asset to ANY team. You don’t just leave her off for ‘chemistry.’ That’s nonsense.”

Meanwhile, Carter reiterated that while Clark’s individual brilliance is undeniable, the Olympic Games require a unique blend of experience and team-oriented players.

“It’s not about chemistry in the traditional sense. It’s about building a unit that can handle the unique challenges of international basketball—players who understand the nuances, who’ve played together in these types of high-pressure situations.”

Conclusion: A Heated Debate With No Easy Answer

The debate between Stephen A. Smith and Andraya Carter showcased two valid perspectives on Caitlin Clark’s omission from the Olympic roster. While Stephen A. views it as a blatant snub, suggesting Clark’s star power and impact on the game should have guaranteed her spot, Carter believes the decision was about building the most cohesive team for international competition.

Ultimately, Team USA’s decision has sparked an ongoing conversation about the balance between individual brilliance and team cohesion in elite-level sports. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the roster comes together—and whether this decision could ultimately cost Team USA the gold.