Former United States soccer star Megan Rapinoe was recently asked about the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year debate, sharing her thoughts on who should take home the trophy between Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.
Rapinoe believes Clark should win the award despite Reese having an “amazing season.”
She jokingly talked about Clark leading the rookie class in turnovers but decided to bypass that factor when judging the award, given Caitlin Clark’s scoring and playmaking ability.
“I have Caitlin [Clark],” Rapinoe said. “She’s leading in all the categories. Assists, turnovers, points (the whole crowd laughs) Do not roast her come on. Don’t roast her, she’s fine… Angel is having an amazing season. Obviously, breaking the double-doubles.”
While Rapinoe doesn’t have a background in women’s basketball, she seemed to share an opinion that was backed by stats, mentioning Reese’s double-double record and Clark’s stance in the rookie rankings.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court during the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.
Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Reese broke the WNBA’s double-double record between the months of June and July. She recorded 15 straight double-doubles and ultimately fell short of continuing the record when she tallied eight points and 16 rebounds against the New York Liberty on June 13.
The rookie out of Louisiana State University has averaged 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
Clark has had a phenomenal season for the Fever, averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game.
While she came into the league as a prolific scorer, Caitlin Clark has proven to be one of the best playmakers in the WNBA, leading the league in average assists.
As Rapinoe mentioned, Clark leads the league with 5.6 turnovers, but that number has consistently decreased as the rookie gets comfortable with her role.
Just before the league’s break in the season for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Clark broke the WNBA record for the most assists in a single game with 19 assists against the Dallas Wings on July 17.
Both rookies will look to add to their WNBA ROTY portfolio when the season resumes later this month.
Angel Reese and the Sky will host the Phoenix Mercury on Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. ET. The Mercury will then travel to Indiana to face Clark and the Fever on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
