When it comes to Caitlin Clark, few topics spark as much debate as her omission from the 2024 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team. The conversation has divided fans and analysts alike, but for WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, the decision was clear—and wrong.

Speaking on ESPN's First Take, the two-time WNBA champion didn't hold back. "If we roll back to the tweets when I said, 'I don't know how we left the country without her,' I felt she is a game-changer," Leslie said. "She's moved the game and the needle in a way we had not seen in women's basketball before. I thought she didn't necessarily earn a spot, but deserved to be there."

Leslie acknowledged the political nature of team selections, noting that the committee chose veteran Diana Taurasi, who went on to win her sixth gold medal. "You get to pick whoever you want, and they chose to take Diana Taurasi. But I thought Caitlin Clark should have been on that team," she added.

Clark's resume leading up to the Olympics was hard to ignore. She was the only collegiate player selected for the 14-player training camp roster, following a phenomenal season at Iowa where she led the Hawkeyes to the national championship game. Her transition to the WNBA was equally impressive, with the Indiana Fever guard quickly making her mark by recording double-digit points and showcasing elite playmaking ability.

Before the Olympic roster was announced in June, Clark had already proven her mettle. A standout performance came against the LA Sparks, where she dropped 30 points—proof that she thrives under pressure. For Leslie, that was enough. "She better be on the Olympic team," Leslie had said earlier in an ESPN interview. "We should not leave the country without her. She's a bona fide baller. There's no doubt she's already one of the best."

As the debate continues, one thing remains certain: Clark's impact on the game is undeniable, and her absence from Paris will be a topic that lingers for years to come.