Caitlin Clark Says She Will 'Get in the Weight Room' During WNBA's Olympic Break
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZucker
Featured Columnist IVJune 9, 2024
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark intends to make the most of her break during the WNBA season created by the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The rookie guard told reporters Sunday she's "absolutely" looking forward to taking some time away from competitive action.
"l've loved competing every single second, but it's gonna be a great month for my body to get rest and get healthy," she said.
Clark said she intends to work out with her Fever teammates and hit the weight room.
USA Basketball's decision to reportedly leave Clark off the Olympic squad wasn't a universally popular one. Her fans pointed to the broader impact her arrival in the WNBA as had on the game and what she might've done for Team USA and the Summer Games in that respect.
Christine Brennan @cbrennansportsWhy leaving Caitlin Clark off the 2024 US Olympic women's basketball team matters, a lot. I've reported on the team at every Olympics since 1984. I've watched the stunning lack of coverage & lack of interest every time. Here are four sections of my Feb column on this exact topic: <a href="https://t.co/MjwqeVQdR8">pic.twitter.com/MjwqeVQdR8</a>
But missing the cut could be a blessing in disguise.
Clark, like her fellow rookies, had almost no offseason before the WNBA season tipped off. Her last game with Iowa was on April 7 and she made her pro debut on May 14 against the Connecticut Sun.
The Fever's schedule hasn't done her any favors, either. Nine of their 12 games have come with one day or rest or fewer.
Tony East @TonyREastTonight, the Indiana Fever will play their 11th game of the season. It is the 19th day of the 2024 WNBA calendar.<br><br>11 of their 40 games = 27.5%<br>19 out of 128 days = 14.8% of the season<br><br>Just a comical schedule to start the season. <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNextHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheNextHoops</a>.
Early evidence suggests having more time off makes a big difference in Clark's performance. She's shooting 34.8 percent from the floor and 28.6 percent from beyond the arc with one day or less of rest, per WNBA.com. Her shooting has improved to 43.5 percent overall and 41.2 percent on threes with at least two days off between games.
Indiana's last game before the Olympic pause is July 17 against the Dallas Wings, and the team won't be back in action again until Aug. 16 against the Phoenix Mercury.
Being off for a month will allow Clark to recharge physically and mentally. From there, she and the Fever can either mount a late playoff charge or at least look to build some positive momentum heading into the 2025 campaign.