Team USA began play at the FIBA Women's World Cup on Friday with its first matchup against Team China at the tournament. The United States featured a stacked lineup consisting of star players, including the Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers, and Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese. However, none of those three players were included in the team's starting lineup on Friday.
Instead, Team USA opted for a starting five that included Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart, Phoenix Mercury star Kahleah Copper, and Las Vegas Aces stars Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. That decision didn't sit well with many fans who reacted to seeing the starting lineup on social media, expressing frustration over Clark and Bueckers not starting for Team USA. More news: Diana Taurasi Compares Rising WNBA Star to Kyrie Irving "The reigning MVP and the team's best player doesn't start?
Only in the women's game would this ever happen. CC and Paige should be starting," a commenter said. It's unclear whether they were naming Clark as their MVP for this WNBA season or meant A'ja Wilson, the reigning MVP, who isn't participating in FIBA because she withdrew for rest and recovery.
"This 'respect the elders, wait your turn' [expletive] is why this group is going to end up losing a game they have no business losing," another commenter wrote. "This is like if in 1992 the Men's team didn't start Jordan," someone commented, referring to the Michael Jordan and the Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics. "Caitlin Clark is coming off the bench to start the game??? wtf!" one commenter said.
"Get these old heads out of the WNBA !! Best PG not starting is ridiculous!!" someone wrote. Team USA is full of talent and has plenty of time to figure out what works and what doesn't.
Based on the lineup, the coaching staff is relying on more experienced veteran stars over the younger rising stars. Collier was part of conversations about MVP contenders last season until she was injured and is among the league's top stars. Stewart has also won several MVP awards and a few WNBA championships.
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