Caitlin Clark, a standout player for Team USA, is gearing up for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, yet her place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed. The tournament kicks off on September 4 in Berlin, where Team USA will face off against China. Clark will be joining an impressive roster that features notable players such as Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Although A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum have opted out of the competition, the competition for starting positions remains fierce.
Rachel DeMita, a sports host and former college basketball player, has voiced her opinion on the matter, suggesting that Clark may be better suited coming off the bench. She pointed out that during the World Cup qualifying matches earlier this year, Clark was not a starter until the final games. DeMita remarked, “I’m not sure Caitlin Clark’s gonna start... She was the last person to enter the starting lineup,” highlighting the fluidity of the team’s lineup decisions.
During the qualifying rounds, Team USA frequently altered their starting five, and Clark was the only player who had not started until the final game against New Zealand. Despite this, her performance was outstanding, earning her the title of tournament MVP. She led the team with an average of 6.4 assists per game and was the second-highest scorer on the team, averaging 11.6 points while shooting an impressive 52.9% from the field.
DeMita emphasized the differences in how starting roles are perceived in international basketball compared to the WNBA. In many countries, the starting lineup does not always consist of the best players; rather, it may include those who fit a specific strategy or rotation. This approach contrasts with the American system, where the top players typically start. DeMita noted that players who come off the bench can sometimes be the most valuable, often playing crucial minutes in high-pressure situations.
Head coach Kara Lawson acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Clark's role, stating that the team is still in a phase of determining player minutes and positions. Lawson expressed confidence in Clark’s readiness, saying, “Caitlin’s ready. Caitlin’s focused.” She praised Clark’s ability to change the dynamics of a game with her scoring, playmaking, and ability to stretch the floor.
As Clark prepares for her first senior international competition, Lawson pointed out that defenses in FIBA play may differ significantly from what she has encountered in the WNBA. This presents a unique challenge for Clark, who has just come off a remarkable WNBA season where she averaged 22.5 points and 8.4 assists per game, shooting 45.6% from the field. Her capacity to create opportunities for her teammates and her long-range shooting make her a formidable asset for Team USA.
While Clark's starting status remains uncertain, her impact on the court will be crucial regardless of when she enters the game. The team's success in the World Cup may hinge on how well she adapts to the international style of play and how effectively she can leverage her skills against different defensive strategies. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Clark to see how she performs on this prestigious stage.
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