WNBA fans were shocked to see Caitlin Clark’s name missing from the list of participants in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game three-point contest. The Fever rookie explained on Friday that she was invited to compete but ultimately decided not to participate in order to prioritize the All-Star Game and get some rest.
“I’ve been playing basketball for a year straight,” Clark said. “It’s not easy to come out and shoot on a rack. It’s not something I’ve done before. It’s not something I’ve had a lot of time to practice. I’m helping my team win games. I’m just enjoying this break. There’s going to be plenty of opportunities for me to do that at some point.”
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This year, Clark has had a long stretch of work. The 22-year-old finished her college career at Iowa in April, where she became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA title game. Clark was selected with the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Fever on April 15 and made her WNBA debut a month later in May.
“I need a break and some time for myself to enjoy what I want to do,” Clark added. “Sometimes it can be difficult in the position I’m in, but I think it’ll be healthier for me.”
