In a setback for Team USA's women's basketball team, six-time Olympian Diana Taurasi's status for the upcoming Paris Olympics is uncertain due to a leg injury. Taurasi, a star player for the Phoenix Mercury, has missed three of the team's last four games and will be sidelined for the clash against the Indiana Fever on Friday.

Despite her injury, Taurasi has performed admirably in the 2024 season, averaging 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. The extent of the injury and its impact on her Olympic participation are yet to be determined.

If Taurasi is unable to compete in Paris, it could open the door for Caitlin Clark, a young and talented player who was initially snubbed for the primary roster but named as an alternate. Clark's exclusion drew controversy, with high-ranking Olympic officials, including Casey Wasserman, president of the 2028 Olympic Organizing Committee in Los Angeles, expressing disappointment.

Taurasi herself acknowledged Clark's talent but highlighted the differences between college basketball and the professional level, implying a learning curve for the young rookie. However, following a recent loss to the Fever, Taurasi praised Clark for her achievements and acknowledged her impact on the game.

During her first year in the WNBA, Clark has had an impressive performance, averaging 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. She was named an All-Star and set a record by posting the first rookie triple-double in league history.

Regardless of Taurasi's availability, Team USA will commence its pursuit of Olympic gold on July 20 with a match against the WNBA All-Stars in Phoenix. The official Olympic competition is set to begin on July 29, with a game against Japan in Lille, France.

The basketball world anxiously awaits updates on Taurasi's injury and the subsequent impact on Team USA's lineup for the Paris Olympics.