Interesting narratives are out in full force in light of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s omission from the U.S. women’s national team for the upcoming olympics.

Among the interesting narratives are that Caitlin Clark is fortunate that she doesn’t have to play in the Olympics. That’s a hard sell.

National Sports Media Hall of Famer Mike Lupica found the narrative nonsensical.

Lupica questioned how bad the Clark backlash has become for missing the Olympics to be viewed as a relief in a sarcastic social media post.

“It must be comforting to Caitlin Clark today that people who’ve been chirping at her since she got to the WNBA now think her being left off the Olympic team is really a good thing for her. The blowback on this young woman continues to be amazing.”

May 24, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) is congratulated by actor Ashton Kutcher after a 3-point basket in the second half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.

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The retort was, of course, over the top. Lupica still brings up a valid point. It shouldn’t be a relief to miss out on the Olympics.

For many, representing the U.S. in the games would be viewed as a once-in-a-lifetime honor. Clark will presumably get her turn, but missing it shouldn’t bring great comfort.

On the other side of the argument some suggest that Clark should make the team for the sake of viewership even if she’s not a Top 12 player currently.

To be sure, Clark shouldn’t only be added to the team simply because she is popular and brings viewers. Players do have to bring on-court value.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates with Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) during the second quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center.

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Clark is bringing value, ranking No. 13 in the WNBA in points per game (16.8) and No. 4 in assists (6.3). She’s doing it all while still learning how to play in the league.

The Indiana guard’s exclusion from the Olympics shouldn’t be celebrated, but her play on the court should be. WNBA fans will next get to see Clark play Monday against the Connecticut Sun.