Sue Bird Said Caitlin Clark Beats Angel Reese In WNBA Rookie of Year Eye Test

Robin Lundberg | Aug 4, 2024

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

WNBA legend Sue Bird kept it simple when picking her Rookie of the Year. Bird was on stage with Megan Rapinoe and plainly stated why she would choose Caitlin Clark over fellow first year player Angel Reese. Bird's response came after Rapinoe cited some statistics in support of her own choice of Clark, which included a rib about Caitlin leading the W in turnovers.

MEGAN RAPINOE and SUE BIRD have Caitlin Clark as ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. #wnba #caitlinclark @CaitlinClark22 #feverrising pic.twitter.com/zCPFKrttzc

— Ken Swift (@kenswift) August 4, 2024

Bird had this to say in choosing CC. "I don't really do the stat comparison. Yeah it can help inform things when it is tight for sure. I don't do the record. I just do the eye test. And to me, she's Rookie of the Year." Sue went on to emphasize that both players are having terrific seasons and that fans don't have to choose who to support.

But when it comes to her pick, I think Bird is correct. I've stated that the race has been over for a while now, and everything the pair said supports that case. Clark is tasked with a heavier role in being the main offensive engine and ball handler for the Indiana Fever. She also sees the most defensive attention. So the eyes certainly back up the selection, especially given how her court vision has wowed even the likes of Mike Krzyzewski.

Then when it comes to statistical comparisons, Clark leads the entire league in points generated, either from her own baskets or off buckets from her passes. She is well on her way to breaking the all-time mark for assists in a season, topping the W in dimes. And she currently ranks in the top-25 in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals per game. That as the Fever sit just above the Chicago Sky in the standings.

It's a testament to the season Reese is having that this has even remained a conversation for as long as it has. But it's hard to refute what Clark has done or what Bird said. Since the WNBA Rookie of the Year may indeed be as simple as what you see.