'There were better candidates': Kevin Durant defends Team USA's decision to not include Caitlin Clark in Paris Olympics roster

PARIS, FRANCE: Kevin Durant has opened up on Caitlin Clark’s omission from Paris Olympics roster.

The NBA star, in his recent interview at the Cannes Lions Festival, said that the Indiana Fever star will definitely be there in the team in future, but right now there are ‘better candidates.”

"I think she’s going to definitely be on one of these teams going forward but right now, there were better candidates out there," Durant said.

Who made it to Team USA squad?

Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, and Diana Taurasi are among the WNBA stars selected for Team USA's 2024 roster.

"The WNBA is doing a great job of showcasing her. I see her games on ESPN every other day," Durant said.

"I see her in talks around, no matter what they’re talking about, there's a lot of dialogue around the game right now, so that's good as well," he added.

Durant, who is set to play for Team USA alongside LeBron James and Steph Curry in Paris, further said Clark should "continue to keep showing up every day" as she navigates her transition into the league, reports People.

"I think as she continues to keep getting better as a player, her production on the court gets better, then the league will grow along with some of the other women who are coming in," he said, specifically citing Las Vegas Aces two-time MVP A’ja Wilson.

"There’s just so many great players in our league that Caitlin has helped shine that light on them and that’ll help the league grow over time," Durant added.

What did Caitlin Clark say about missing out the Team USA roster?

Earlier, Clark reacted to the 2024 Olympic roster released on June 9. "I'm excited for the girls that are on the team. I know it's the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way — me being on the team or me not being on the team," Clark told ESPN. 

“I'm going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them," the Fever guard continued.

"Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for; it's a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully, when four years comes back around, I can be there," the 22-year-old further said.