The WNBA Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be a thrilling competition between Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky power forward Angel Reese.
While opinions on who will ultimately take home the award may vary, ESPN WNBA writer Michael Voepel believes that Clark has a slight edge over Reese in what promises to be a closely contested battle.
“When it comes to the Rookie of the Year race, it is challenging to compare them,” Voepel wrote. “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.”
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Through 26 games, Clark has been a standout performer, averaging 35.2 minutes, 17.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. She has scored 20 or more points nine times, including a career-high 30 points on two occasions. Notably, Clark made history by becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double.
On the other hand, Angel Reese has been equally impressive. Over 23 games, she has averaged 31.5 minutes, 13.5 points, 12 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Reese set a WNBA record with a streak of 15 straight double-doubles and is just four double-doubles shy of Tina Charles’ rookie record of 22.
The contrasting styles of Clark and Reese make this race particularly interesting. Clark, as a point guard, is the offensive catalyst for her team, responsible for setting up plays and creating scoring opportunities. Her role requires a high level of basketball IQ and leadership on the court, traits that some voters might find particularly valuable.
Reese, as a power forward, brings a dominant physical presence in the paint. Her ability to consistently produce points and rebounds despite the intense physicality of the position is remarkable. Her resilience and consistent double-doubles highlight her importance to the Sky’s success.
As the season progresses, both Clark and Reese will have ample opportunities to further solidify their cases for Rookie of the Year.
Their performances not only contribute significantly to their respective teams but also add an exciting narrative to the WNBA season.
Ultimately, whether Clark’s playmaking abilities or Reese’s powerful presence will sway the voters remains to be seen.
What is clear is that both players have had outstanding rookie campaigns, making this one of the most compelling Rookie of the Year races in recent memory.
