Kevin Durant Says There Were ‘Better Candidates’ for Olympic Roster Than Caitlin Clark

During a recent appearance, Durant stated, “I think she’s going to definitely be on one of these teams going forward but right now, there were better candidates out there.”

NBA champion Kevin Durant supports USA Basketball’s choice to not include Caitlin Clark on their squad for the Olympics.

During a conversation with the Wall Street Journal’s Emma Tucker at Journal House during The Cannes Lions Festival, Durant, 35, stated there were “better candidates” for the roster. The 22-year-old’s exclusion from the women’s basketball team competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked intense debate among fans and analysts.

When questioned about the Indiana Fever rookie, the Phoenix Suns player stated that he believes there are still “proper steps you’ve got to take in our world to be considered an Olympian.”

Durant said, along with his Boardroom colleague Rich Kleiman, “I think she’s going to definitely be on one of these teams going forward but right now, there were better candidates out there.”

WNBA players Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum have all been chosen for Team USA’s 2024 squad.

In addition, he expressed admiration for the WNBA and their efforts in “showcasing” the first overall pick. She is being brilliantly showcased by the WNBA. Every other day, I watch her games on ESPN,” Durant remarked.

“I see her in conversations about whatever topic they’re discussing; there’s a lot of discussion about the game right now, so that’s good too,”

LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Durant, who will play for Team USA in Paris, said that Clark should “continue to keep showing up every day” as she adjusts to life in the NBA.

He mentioned Las Vegas Aces two-time MVP A’ja Wilson when he said, “I think as she continues to keep getting better as a player, her production on the court gets better, then the league will grow along with some of the other women who are coming in.”

Durant continued, “There are just so many amazing players in our league that Caitlin has helped bring attention to, and that will help the league grow over time.”

Speaking to reporters on June 9, Clark expressed her satisfaction with the selection following the unveiling of the Olympic roster.

According to ESPN, Clark stated, “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team.” “I am aware that this is the world’s most competitive squad, and I also understand that my inclusion on the team or exclusion from it might have happened in either scenario. I will be cheering them on to the gold. It will be enjoyable to watch the Olympics because I grew up watching them,” the Fever guard added.

To be honest, I’m not disappointed. It’s a dream, but it offers me something to strive for. I hope to be able to visit there someday. It’s just a bit more motivation, in my opinion. You recall that. Hopefully, I can be there when the next four years roll around.

Determined Mom Sets Out to Show Her Child She’s Beautiful, Despite a Unique Birthmark

We are all born unique and beautiful, each one of us an individual expression of diversity. One of the most incredible aspects of being human is that no two people are exactly the same. Over time, society has made great strides in embracing and celebrating these differences.

Nicole Lucas Hall, a devoted mother, is raising her two children, Asher and Winry, with a mission to challenge the idea that imperfections define us. Nicole wants to reinforce the belief that her daughter Winry, who was born with a rare birthmark, is beautiful in her own right.

Winry was born with a condition known as congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), an uncommon birthmark that covers about a quarter of her face. According to Good Morning America, Winry’s distinct appearance has made her stand out since her birth in February 2021, though her parents embrace and celebrate her uniqueness.

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Determined Mom Sets Out to Show Her Child She’s Beautiful, Despite a Unique Birthmark

byBrowse FeedOctober 14, 20240

We are all born unique and beautiful, each one of us an individual expression of diversity. One of the most incredible aspects of being human is that no two people are exactly the same. Over time, society has made great strides in embracing and celebrating these differences.

Nicole Lucas Hall, a devoted mother, is raising her two children, Asher and Winry, with a mission to challenge the idea that imperfections define us. Nicole wants to reinforce the belief that her daughter Winry, who was born with a rare birthmark, is beautiful in her own right.

Winry was born with a condition known as congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), an uncommon birthmark that covers about a quarter of her face. According to Good Morning America, Winry’s distinct appearance has made her stand out since her birth in February 2021, though her parents embrace and celebrate her uniqueness.

Nicole, a teacher, recalls being initially shocked when the nurses handed her Winry after delivery. Her pregnancy had been normal, so she wasn’t expecting anything unusual. “I had a typical pregnancy,” Nicole wrote on her blog. “After some early morning sickness, I felt great until the last month when fatigue kicked in.”

The medical team was the first to notice Winry’s CMN, but they offered congratulations for the easy birth and reassured Nicole that her baby’s vital signs were fine. 

At first, Nicole mistook the large mark on Winry’s head for a bruise. “My husband and I quickly realized it wasn’t a bruise,” she said. “I thought it looked like a mole.” Concerned but unsure what to ask, Nicole held her baby close and showered her with love.

CMN can appear as dark or light brown patches on various parts of the body, and its size can vary, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Now, Nicole and her partner are on a mission to show the world that differences should be celebrated, not hidden. 

“I like sharing because, for many, this is the first time they’ve seen a birthmark like hers,” Nicole said. “Parents can have meaningful conversations with their children about how kids can look different, or they may see their own child reflected in Winry.”

Winry’s parents take extra care of her skin, as her birthmark may increase her risk of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. “Our main concern is her health,” Nicole explained. “We make sure to use sunscreen and keep her protected with hats.”

Beyond her birthmark, Winry is a joyful and spirited little girl who radiates happiness. “She’s the happiest baby I’ve ever seen,” Nicole said. “She’s always laughing and yelling, and she’s already showing signs of having quite the personality!”

Nicole hopes that by sharing Winry’s story, more people will embrace differences rather than mock or belittle them. 

To her, Winry is not just a child with a unique appearance—she’s a truly special little girl with a beautiful spirit.

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