One of the most hotly contested races of 2024 is the current WNBA Rookie of the Year race between two WNBA stars. The award has all but come down to a two-women race between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Since entering the league, the two are proving to be groundbreaking stars who are transcending the game. Angel Reese is putting up double-doubles at an insane pace while Caitlin Clark shatters a new record of points, assists, and much more almost every night.
With the WNBA on pause for the Olympics, ESPN looked at the battle for the top rookie between the two and laid out how they think it shakes out.
Caitlin Clark will win a Rookie of Year race that goes to the wire with Angel Reese
Clark and the Chicago Sky‘s Reese already have had exceptional first seasons and done historical things for rookies. Reese’s streak of 15 double-doubles is the longest by any WNBA player, not just a rookie. Clark, meanwhile, has recorded the first triple-double by a rookie. Each has helped position her team for a playoff spot.
When it comes to the Rookie of the Year race, though, it is challenging to compare them. Statistically, they play entirely different positions: Clark is a point guard, and Reese is a power forward. Clark has the responsibility of initiating offense, which will weigh more heavily with some voters. That said, guards — particularly point guards — traditionally have been undervalued for WNBA individual awards (see: Sue Bird). Others will point to Reese’s consistent production despite all the physical play in the paint. This is likely to be a race to the finish. For me, the edge right now goes to Clark, but both have made good cases and will continue to do so. — Voepel, ESPN
ESPN gives the award to Clark based on her overall impact and production she has brought to the Indiana Fever. Clark is not only scoring, but she is accounting for many of the Fever’s points with her assists totals.
Caitlin Clark is averaging 17.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. Angel Reese is averaging 13.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
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