WNBA analyst picks Angel Reese over Caitlin Clark in ROY race (Imagn)
While Caitlin Clark has gotten most of the attention, Angel Reese has been one of the WNBA’s standout rookies this season. The Chicago Sky forward is playing so well that one analyst should end up winning Rookie of the Year.
Coming off her historic run at Iowa, many expected Clark to be the runaway favorite for ROY. The 2024 No. 1 pick has played well for the Indiana Fever, but she has some stiff competition in the form of Reese. If both players maintain their level of play, it should result in a tight race down the stretch.
During Friday’s episode of “Get Up” on ESPN, Monica McNutt spoke on odds for Rookie of the Year. Clark might be the heavy favorite at the moment, but she is going with Angel Reese to win the award. One of the key factors in her decision is team success.
“My Rookie of the Year is going to go based on the standings. Because I think that is how you have the opportunity to measure impact,” McNutt said.
“The Sky right now are in the playoffs, so you have to give the nod in my mind to Angel Reese.”
Angel Reese is putting together strong case for Rookie of the Year
Aside from team success, Angel Reese belongs in the Rookie of the Year race for her individual play as well. Through the first month of the season, she has proven to be a two-way force at the WNBA level.
In her first 18 games, Reese is averaging a double-double with 13.2 points and 11.8 rebounds. Her rebounding numbers are good for the top spot among any player this season, not just rookies.
Another reason why Angel Reese belongs in the ROY debate is her historic run to open her career. She set a new single-season record with 10 straight double-doubles a few weeks back. Overall, Reese has finished with double-digit points and rebounds in 12 games thus far.
It is also worth noting that Reese had one of her best performances of the season against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. On June 23rd, she recorded 25 points and 16 rebounds in a one-point win for the Sky.
At this point in time, Clark is far from a runaway favorite for ROY. Following her impressive start to the season, Reese could end up taking the award for herself.
