NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Who will win Rookie of the Year in the WNBA? As it stands now, it’s going to come down to either Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever or Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. But who is more deserving? While the finger and odds are pointing towards Clark, it seems that everyone has turned a blind eye to what Reese is doing.
Clark deserves every amount of credit she’s getting. Despite being a rookie, she’s averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 assists per game while her Fever team is right in the thick of the playoff race. Clark has been everything she was advertised to be following a stellar collegiate career and being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She has not disappointed.
Reese was selected 7th by the Sky with hopes she could add value on the court with defense and rebounding. Looked over by many as being a role player, Reese has proven she can hold her own. Hell, she wasn’t even the first player selected by the Sky in the Draft. Teams had their chance but listened to the critics instead. Answer this, how many teams are regretting that decision now?
As the season wore on, it was obvious these two ladies were special. Even if both players deny it, there is a bit of a rivalry dating back to their college days. The WNBA and their PR team were smart to build on that. But both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have given them what they wanted–hard work and production.
Once the season ends and the awards are given out, who will walk away as the top rookie? Look, Clark has broken WNBA records in her first season. She’s leading the WNBA in assists, 11th in Points Per Game, and 5th in Three-Point Field Goals. Even playing the PG position, Clark is averaging 5.7 Rebounds Per Game. Clark is a baller in every sense of the word.
However, Reese is making a case for Rookie of the Year as well. She’s averaging 13.5 Points Per Game to go along with 12.9 rebounds per game which leads the WNBA. She has recorded a double-double for a WNBA record 15 straight games and is coming off another WNBA record for consecutive 20+ rebound games. How can this be ignored? And yet it is.
Picking one or the other is tough. But somehow, it seems that the majority of the media is leaning toward Clark. And it’s not to take anything from what she has done but this is one of those cases where a Co-MVP has to be awarded. Let’s not make the same mistakes the NBA has made in years past.
The reason this is important to do a deep dive into is due to what they both add to their team. Clark is a scorer and facilitator. She has been that way since college. She was drafted to do what she has done. Reese was drafted with many questioning her skill set and whether would it translate to success in the WNBA. Are we still questioning that now?
This issue surrounding Reese and why many will give the nod to Clark is her shooting percentage. Currently, she’s hitting just .387 percent from the floor. For a player who plays inside, this is the major knock on Reese. She’s a great rebounder but when was she ever considered to be an elite scorer? However, their scoring is not that far apart. Clark has a shot like Stephen Curry while Reese has a shot like Dennis Rodman. You can’t compare the two.
Minutes-wise, they’re running neck and neck. Clark averages 35.3 minutes per Game and Reese is at 32.3. As far as the shooting goes, Clark is hitting .414 percent overall and .329 from deep. Clark averages 13.6 Shot attempts per game but is taking 8.5 shots from deep. But that’s her game. That’s what makes her special. Reese, on the other hand, is averaging 12.3 shots per game.
In comparison, there is not much distance in their stats. What may be the deciding factor for most is team success. The Fever are currently in the 7th spot while the Sky owns the 8th in the WNBA. If that stays the course, both teams will make the playoffs then things will get tight. With all that being said, there is no way to just see one player without looking at the other.
Their careers will forever be tied together. But the truth is, neither player has been a disappointment. Clark is a scorer and Reese is a rebounder. Both bring value to their team and the WNBA. And both should have a piece of Rookie of the Year.
