The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Connecticut Sun’s Brionna Jones are the top two alternates for the United States women’s basketball team ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 30, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Charania said Monday on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back that Clark or Jones would be one of the first in line if a replacement is needed:

Clark’s omission from the 12-player squad has sparked plenty of discussion in the days since. Critics of the decision pointed to her massive popularity and how much she may have brought more attention to Team USA and women’s basketball as a whole.

Ultimately, though, the 22-year-old’s performance early in her rookie campaign didn’t make her selection a no-brainer. She’s averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 37.3 percent overall and 32.7 percent from beyond the arc.

It’s almost impossible to argue Clark is one of the 12 best players in the American pool.

The 6’0″ guard also missed out on critical practice time at Team USA’s training camp in April because she was suiting up for Iowa in the Final Four. Head coach Cheryl Reeve was unable to get a substantial look at how she’d mesh with the senior roster.

Not to mention, the boost in viewership Clark might’ve provided could easily have waned as it became apparent she wasn’t going to be a key player for Team USA. Would fans keep tuning in if she were playing 10 or fewer minutes every contest?

The monthlong break Clark will get from the WNBA season could be exactly what she needs. She told reporters Sunday that “it’s gonna be a great month for my body to get rest and get healthy.”

Clark added she intends to work out with her Fever teammates and get into the weight room while the WNBA is on a pause.