Speaking on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” on July 22, the commentator said it was a mistake to leave her off the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team for the Paris Olympics. Cowherd pushed back against criticisms that the Indiana Fever rookie is not ready, citing her All-Star Game performance as proof that she can compete against the best in the world.

“The more I watch Caitlin Clark, the more I’m convinced women’s basketball isn’t ready,” Cowherd said. “Caitlin Clark is more than ready. She helped her WNBA All-Star team beat the U.S. women’s Olympic team this weekend. She was the best playmaker with 10 assists.”

Cowherd went on to say that Clark would be a “perfect” fit for the Olympics because the team needs more facilitators willing to take a backseat to the primary scorers. Clark has shown she’s willing to fill that role, even if Cowherd believes she should be shooting more often.

“I would argue with Caitlin Clark, she passes too much,” Cowherd said.

He went on to say that the real distraction for the Paris Olympics is keeping Clark off the roster.

Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) passes the ball to Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the first half against the USA Women’s National Team at Footprint Center.

“Well you know what’s a distraction? Her not on the team,” Cowherd said.