CBS Sports tabs Caitlin Clark as ‘guaranteed replacement’ on 2028 USA Basketball Olympics roster

The 2024 Paris Olympics have concluded, marking the eighth consecutive gold medal for USA women’s basketball. The team clinched a thrilling 67-66 victory over France in the final, rallying from a 10-point deficit in the second half. A’ja Wilson led the charge with a standout performance, contributing 21 points and 13 rebounds. The close victory marked only the third single-digit win during the USA's ongoing 61-game Olympic winning streak, with previous tight games including a four-point win over Russia in the 2004 Athens semifinals and a nine-point victory over Nigeria in the 2021 Tokyo Games.

With the Paris Games behind them, attention now shifts to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. CBS Sports has speculated on the future of Team USA’s roster, identifying Caitlin Clark as a “guaranteed replacement” for the next Olympic cycle. Clark, who narrowly missed being the fifth WNBA rookie to join Team USA this summer, was a surprising and controversial omission from the 2024 roster. Despite this, CBS Sports suggests that Clark, already considered one of the world's top playmakers, will undoubtedly be a key figure in the 2028 squad, potentially filling the shoes of retiring veterans like Diana Taurasi.

In CBS Sports’ projection, alongside Clark, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, and Sabrina Ionescu are considered "locks" for the 2028 Games. Kahleah Copper, Jewell Loyd, and Kelsey Plum are seen as "more likely than not" to make the team, while Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, and Chelsea Gray are categorized as “aging vets.” Additionally, rising stars like Shakira Austin, Aliyah Boston, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers, Rhyne Howard, Rickea Jackson, Flau’jae Johnson, Angel Reese, and JuJu Watkins are listed as "potential replacements."

Clark’s exclusion from the 2024 roster was a major talking point leading up to the Paris Games, with the USA Basketball selection committee facing widespread criticism. Christine Brennan of USA TODAY Sports criticized the decision as a missed opportunity, while selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti explained that Clark did not fully meet the committee’s criteria. Rizzotti emphasized that the decision was based purely on basketball factors, such as player fit and style, rather than external considerations like fan support.

Despite the controversy, Clark remained gracious, expressing excitement for her peers and a renewed determination to earn a spot on the 2028 team. “It just gives me something to work for,” Clark said. “Hopefully, when four years comes back around, I can be there.”

Clark's rookie WNBA season has been impressive, with the 6-foot point guard averaging 17.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Her shooting percentages stand at 40.5% from the field, 32.7% from beyond the arc, and 89.1% from the free-throw line. Clark was also selected for the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, where she helped lead Team WNBA to a 117-109 victory over USA Basketball.

As the Fever continue their season after the All-Star and Olympics break, Clark's journey will be closely watched, with fans eagerly anticipating her potential redemption at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.