WNBA Rookie of the Year debate is ongoing despite Caitlin Clark breaking landmark WNBA records in her last four games and leading the Indiana Fever to its first playoff berth in eight years. Former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah stated that he would vote for Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese over Clark for Rookie of the Year. Noah likes Reese because of her size advantage and playing style being more similar to his own. Reese’s advantage over Clark is seen in rebounds, but Clark outperforms her in points, assists, steals, blocks, and shooting percentages. In head-to-head matchups this year, the Fever have won three out of four games against the Sky, with Reese outscoring Clark in two of those games.
The 2023 NCAA women’s title game saw Reese use her superior size to out-duel Clark, leading LSU to victory over Iowa. As pros, Clark’s offensive numbers and team success position her as the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. Despite this, Reese still has supporters and may receive votes for the award. Noah’s support for Reese is influenced by his time as a defensive center for the Chicago Bulls and his ties to the city of Chicago. He draws comparisons to the rise of Derrick Rose, who had a dominant Rookie of the Year campaign and went on to become the youngest league MVP in 2011.
Clark has been making history in the WNBA, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 3-pointers in a season and breaking Tamika Catchings’ record for most points in a single season by a rookie in Fever history. She also achieved the first 30-point, 12-assist game in WNBA history and set the record for most made 3-pointers by a rookie. Despite Noah’s argument for Reese as Rookie of the Year, he acknowledges Clark’s impressive performance on the court, referring to her as a “beast” and acknowledging her impact on the business side of the sport. Clark’s success has been undeniable, with her setting numerous records and leading the Fever to their first playoff appearance in years.
The WNBA Rookie of the Year race between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has sparked debate among fans and former players like Joakim Noah. While Reese’s size and playing style have earned her support, Clark’s statistical output and impact on the court have positioned her as the likely winner of the award. As the season winds down, both players continue to showcase their talents and contribute to their respective teams’ success. With Clark’s record-breaking performances and Reese’s dominant play, the debate over the Rookie of the Year will likely continue until the final decision is made.
Ultimately, both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have made significant impacts as rookies in the WNBA, with each player showcasing unique strengths on the court. While Reese’s size advantage gives her an edge in certain areas, Clark’s scoring ability, playmaking skills, and record-breaking performances have solidified her as a standout player in the league. As the Rookie of the Year race comes to a close, fans and analysts will continue to debate the merits of each player’s candidacy. Regardless of the outcome, both Clark and Reese have bright futures ahead of them in the WNBA, with their impressive performances setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive and exciting season for women’s basketball.
