The rookies teamed up in the WNBA All-Star Game
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese stand at the forefront of a new generation in the WNBA. The two rookies are fresh off competing in their first All-Star Game out in Phoenix, Arizona — and they impressed, with Reese registering a double-double in just 18 minutes and Clark notching 10 assists (including one to Reese) in 26 minutes.
Clark and Reese were deserving All-Stars based on their play through the first half of their first professional campaigns. Their improving play has led many to reconsider their so-called “rivalry” and the ongoing Rookie of the Year race — with one former NBA player even positing that the two players could split the trophy come season’s end.
Caitlin Clark shares a moment with the Bryant family 🧡 pic.twitter.com/JyMPjWHRMX
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 21, 2024
A radical proposal
Raymond Felton, a point guard who played 14 seasons in the NBA, has been enthralled by how quickly Reese and Clark have adapted to the intensity of pro basketball. To tha end, he doesn’t think it’s fair to pick one over the other, as far as the Rookie of the Year race is concerned.
“Caitlin Clark has figured it out. She’s playing amazing basketball. (And) Angel Reese is breaking records,” Felton said on the “To the Baha” podcast. “If (the race) is so close, let them share it.”
The Rookie of the Year Award has never before been shared in WNBA history, and the league will not consider making a special exception for this season. But it speaks to how good Clark and Reese have been that there is a genuine debate to be had over the best rookie in the WNBA this season.
Clark is leading the W in assists per game and just broke the league record for assists in a single game. Reese came into the league and quickly brought down the legendary Candace Parker‘s record for consecutive double-doubles — and most believe that this is merely the tip of the iceberg for the star rookies, who each have their sights set on suiting up for Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
