I originally posted (on the subject of CC not making the Oly team) that it was a missed opportunity from a marketing standpoint. But after giving that more thought, I no longer think that. Although we can debate the merits of her getting one of the final spots on the team, if that had happened she likely wouldn't have played much. So then the outsized focus on
her as opposed to the gals actually getting the minutes, plus the questions about her lack of playing time, all leading to additional resentment (among
some of the players, and those in the media and elsewhere who are always looking to insert a racial wedge into anything & everything) towards her, most-likely would've negated any marketing benefits from her inclusion on the team.
I have no clue if any of that factored in on the decision, but if so, it would make sense.
And I have no problem with Griner making the team. I assume she's only played two games so far this season because she's easing back into shape or recovering from an injury, but expected to be 100% by the time of the Olympics. When healthy, she's a dominant big. And she's a proven commodity on the Olympic stage. Should any team shock the world and actually challenge the U.S., you'd want her on the court.
That all said, the committee probably could've filled the roster with the top six picks in the 2024 WNBA draft, plus six average WNBA reserves, and the team would be good enough to yet again cop the gold
