Caitlin Clark Tops Angel Reese In Special WNBA Rookie of Year Race!
Not only has the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese drawn comparisons to the one Larry Bird and Magic Johnson once had, but the WNBA Rookie of the Year race between the two is starting to resemble the Michael Jordan and LeBron James debate...meaning no one ever seems to get tired of discussing it.
The truth of the matter is both the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky stars have been brilliant in their professional careers thus far. And one could make the argument that not only are they deserving All-Star teammates but that the pair would be worthy of representing the USA in the Olympics as well. However, only one can win Rookie of the Year.
The case for Reese is clear. She is rebounding at an almost unprecedented rate, recently set the league record for consecutive double-doubles, and the advanced statistics give her the edge in the matchup. Barbie is balling.
At the midway point of her rookie year, Angel Reese is flirting with the highest rebound per game season average the @WNBA has EVER seen. (Graphic: Stacy Hunt) pic.twitter.com/9eJE1eOHXw
— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) July 8, 2024
But I would give Clark the nod personally. Caitlin is generating more points than any player in the WNBA. She is doing so while carrying a huge role for the Fever and being the focus of the opposing team's defense. Clark has been blitzed twice as much as any ball handler and Lexie Brown of the Los Angeles Sparks recently admitted CC is number one on the scouting report.
Damn that STATS alone show how impactful Caitlyn Clark is. Rightfully So Give Her Rookie Of The Year Award. pic.twitter.com/pEeRoiqH1O
— Bottom Boy Survivor (@EasyMoneyMht) July 7, 2024
Despite that Clark has still been able to put up numbers and lead her team on a recent string of wins. CC is top 20 in the entire W when it comes to points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. She is right at the top of the league in dimes and top 5 in 3-pointers made. Yes, she has turned the ball over a little too much, but that also comes with a high volume, huge responsibility role. As a reference, Luka Doncic led the NBA in turnovers this season and LeBron James is the all-time leader.
So while this race has certainly been special, with both Angel and Caitlin deserving every bit of praise they've received, I believe Clark has actually been one of the most valuable players in the league. Not just amongst rookies.
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!