Basketball enthusiasts are buzzing over a hot take from WNBA legend Lisa Leslie regarding rookie superstars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The debate ignited after Leslie, a two-time WNBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer, suggested that both players deserve to win the Rookie of the Year honors.
Caitlin Clark, the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The 22-year-old is playing at an MVP-caliber level, averaging 18.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Her stellar performance has almost guaranteed her the Rookie of the Year award, making her a standout in her debut season.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese has also been making headlines with her record-breaking performance. On Sunday, Reese set a new WNBA single-season rebounding record, surpassing the previous mark of 404 set by Sylvia Fowles in 2018. Reese now holds the record with 418 rebounds, further solidifying her status as one of the league’s most dominant players.
Leslie’s comment that both Clark and Reese deserve the Rookie of the Year award has sparked considerable debate among fans. While both rookies have had remarkable and historic seasons, many argue that Clark is the clear frontrunner for the award. Clark’s impact on the Indiana Fever, a team that has struggled in recent years, has been transformative. The Fever, who have not finished above .500 since 2015 and last made the playoffs in 2016, have been revitalized with Clark leading the charge.
The Fever currently hold a 17-16 record and are on the verge of ending their eight-year playoff drought. Coming off the Olympic break, they have been in exceptional form and now sit 5.5 games ahead of the ninth-seeded Atlanta Dream, putting them in a strong position to secure a playoff spot. With a playoff berth virtually secured, the Fever are now focusing on clinching home-court advantage for the opening round.
Despite Angel Reese’s impressive achievements, including breaking a long-standing WNBA record, it’s difficult to argue against Caitlin Clark’s case for Rookie of the Year. Her contributions have been pivotal in turning around a struggling franchise and leading them to a potential playoff appearance. While both players have undoubtedly played significant roles in elevating the WNBA this season, the Rookie of the Year award appears to be Clark’s to lose.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on the Fever and Clark as they push for a strong finish and a deep playoff run. Regardless of the outcome, both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have already made their mark on the league and will continue to be key figures in the WNBA for years to come.
