Caitlin Clark Tops WNBA Rookie Rankings!
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have helped to usher in what is the most discussed WNBA rookie class in history. But who is actually performing the best so far out on the court this season? Here are my rankings of the top 5 rooks in the W at this juncture.
5. Cameron Brink
Brink has received a lot of favorable media attention and I’ve seen her higher on other lists. But despite tantalizing talent, she doesn’t top my rankings and it won’t be long before the competition gets even tougher with Kamilla Cardoso on her way into the discussion. Brink has excellent height, vision and a very promising skillset. But most of that has been applied on the defensive end to this point with the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks amongst the top three in the league in blocks. However, her offensive game has been a bit inconsistent and she will need to put up better scoring numbers to reach her high ceiling. (Unfortunately since this was published Brink suffered a season-ending knee injury.)
4. Rickea Jackson
Jackson has actually been the best rookie on the Sparks this season and is starting to show off more and more of her game after being brought along slowly at the beginning. Rickea has been an efficient scorer shooting close to 50% from the floor and she’s shown a penchant for being able to step into a pull-up jumper in the way the best bucket getters can. In addition she is a strong finisher. Now that Jackson has been inserted into the starting lineup for LA it is only a matter of time before she starts getting more and more attention from WNBA fans, especially as her scoring output continues to increase.
3. Aaliyah Edwards
The Washington Mystics rookie has been quietly going about her business. What impresses me the most about Edwards is her decisiveness. Whether she is moving without the ball or attacking with it, her decisions seem to always come in an instant. And she already has a nice looking jumper. It’s only a matter of time before Aaliyah’s counting stats start to trend up as the former Connecticut star is as efficient as can be. Edwards is shooting over 50% from the floor and filling up box scores despite playing under 25 minutes a game so far. As her PT picks up expect more breakout performances.
2. Angel Reese
Angel has been a double-double machine in addition to an instigator on the court. Reese likes to mix it up and her tenacity cannot be questioned. The Chicago Sky got a steal at 7th overall just off the strength of rebounding and defensive mobility from the former LSU star. Reese is the best in the league on the offensive boards and is versatile in the way she can guard. Not to mention her motor is off the charts. The biggest issue for her right now is finishing around the rim. She’s leaving points off the board considering her field goal percentage is below 40 despite the bulk of opportunities coming near the basket. Once she gets a consistent layup package and adds a face up jump shot to her game, the Sky is the limit for Reese.
1. Caitlin Clark
I feel like Clark has been put lower on lists for engagement purposes and graded more harshly due to the hype around her. While the Indiana Fever star has had a few duds, she also happens to be in the midst of one of the best rookie seasons in WNBA history. Clark leads all first-year players in scoring and assists and that is while she is facing more defensive attention than anyone and despite beginning with the league’s hardest schedule. Caitlin’s all around game has been on display to the point where she is only one 20, 5, 5 game away from matching the rookie mark for the league set by Tamika Catchings and she has already tied Diana Taurasi in that category. CC has proven to be a top player in the W and things should only get easier from here.
ROBIN LUNDBERG
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!