Fans have been eagerly anticipating a historic three-point shootout on the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, hoping to see WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark go head-to-head with Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry.
Nonetheless, experiences now verify that Clark has declined an invite to take part, leaving many questioning why the Iowa famous person turned WNBA rookie made the choice.
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Clark, who broke data in her first skilled season, ending simply six three-pointers wanting the all-time WNBA file for many threes in a season, was extensively anticipated to affix this yr’s revamped NBA All-Star 3-Level Contest.
The occasion was set to function Curry, Sabrina Ionescu and Klay Thompson, making a cross-league competitors in contrast to something seen earlier than. However Clark‘s absence has left followers speculating on her causes for opting out.
Why did Clark decline the invitation?
Whereas many assumed Clark was merely prioritizing relaxation earlier than the WNBA season, TV character and former basketball participant Rachel DeMita advised a special cause for Clark‘s absence.
“From what we’ve got seen in her exercises and all, Caitlin looks as if the kind of individual if she’s going to do that contest she needs to win it,” DeMita defined throughout a section.
She went on to explain Clark‘s aggressive mindset, likening her strategy to that of the late Kobe Bryant.
“She appears psychotic… she appears to have that Kobe mentality. Once I say psychotic, guys, I imply that as a great factor. I believe any nice athlete is somewhat bit loopy. I believe Caitlin is just too, however in the very best way-she has that Kobe mentality,” DeMita added.
In keeping with Sports activities Enterprise Journal’s Tom Pal, Clark reportedly instructed the NBA that she’s not fascinated about taking pictures off a ball rack, a vital component of the competition’s format. In contrast to the pull-up threes she usually takes in-game, this competitors requires stationary taking pictures from racks, one thing Clark is not accustomed to.
A supply near Clark famous that whereas she is lethal off the dribble, notably when transferring to her left, her lack of expertise with rack taking pictures may have factored into her resolution.
Fairly than enter a contest the place she is not absolutely ready, Clark could have chosen to attend for a chance higher suited to her strengths.