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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Get ready for a shocking revelation regarding the Team USA roster. According to a recent update, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Sky sensation Angel Reese are expected to be left off the Team USA women’s basketball roster for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. The main roster reveals a strong preference for seasoned pros with the selection of Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young, Diana Taurasi, and Chelsea Gray.

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While spectators are ecstatic to welcome a distinguished roster of All-Stars, Chelsea Gray’s selection has raised many eyebrows. She hasn’t played any WNBA games since last season’s Game 3 of the finals, wherein she suffered a lower leg injury. How, then, is she selected for Team USA?

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Despite her injury, Gray secured her spot on the Olympic team by participating in the US Olympics training camp in Cleveland. If she’s healthy, she will be the point guard for the Olympics this year. But what if she isn’t? Caitlin Clark could be her potential replacement. However, this substitution is only possible before the event begins, as no changes can be made once the Olympics start, even if a player gets injured.

As of now, there’s no update from Gray regarding her availability, fueling ongoing debates about her selection.

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Fans’ response to Chelsea Gray’s addition

Many fans and analysts argue that other players could have been better choices. “Chelsea Gray hasn’t played a single minute yet,” wrote one disheartened fan. Chelsea Gray is undoubtedly a standout player in the WNBA. She made her Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she averaged 7.5 points and 3.2 assists per game. However, due to her leg injury, she hasn’t played since last year.

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Another fan expressed concern: “I’ll be honest, Griner shouldn’t be on here, but they need the height. Also, is Chelsea Gray going to be cleared by then? Everyone else on the roster deserves to be there more than CC.” Notably, Brittney Griner, at 6’9″, is taller than everyone else, contributing to her average of 4.0 rebounds per game. Gray’s uncertain status has left fans frustrated.

Isn’t Chelsea Gray, like, INJURED??? That mf hasn’t played all season,” added another spectator. Even though Gray’s prior Olympic experience is a plus, it can’t overshadow Clark’s potential. Another fan added, “Who has the jersey contract? Nike? Selling a few million Clark USA jerseys is a compelling argument. I mean, what does Chelsea Gray give you that Clark won’t?

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Since Clark entered the WNBA as the No. 1 draft pick, ticket prices have surged, highlighting her unmatched popularity. Her jersey, No. 22, has also garnered significant attention. Even though Clark hasn’t had a full chance to showcase her skills, she still averages 16.8 points per game and 5.3 rebounds, with key stats higher than Gray’s.

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However, Clark isn’t the only preference on viewers’ lists. “If Griner and Chelsea Gray can’t go, I’d love to see Reese and Allisha Gray get the nod for the Olympics,” wrote another spectator. After Clark, Reese has become the top choice for many fans. She averages 11.4 points and an impressive 9.2 rebounds per game, which is higher than Griner’s. Allisha Gray, on the other hand, averages 16.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

With Reese’s and Allisha Gray’s impressive stats, the debate continues about whether Chelsea Gray will be fit in time for the Olympics. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!

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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.

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Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

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Deepali Verma

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