Caitlin Clark's omission from the U.S. women's team at the Paris Olympics generated some controversy, especially after she took the WNBA by storm in her rookie season.
But the Indiana Fever guard's absence from the 3x3 team might be a bit more easily explained.
The sport is new to the Summer Games this season, and two American teams are struggling in different ways.
The men's team missed out on the medals, while the women overcame the Olympic opener 0-3 to secure bronze.
On The Pat McAfee Show on August 5, ESPN's Brian Winderst explained that FIBA, the international basketball governing body
format to be a level playing field for teams that otherwise don't have strong basketball programs . . . .
As Windhorst explained, this is why FIBA made it difficult for athletes to qualify for the 3x3 at the Paris Olympics.
Kyrie Irving just can't show and if you want to play like 15 qualifying events I just imagine that number."