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Although Caitlin Clark is the overwhelming betting favorite to win the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year Award, ESPN apparently believes that she still isn’t the top rookie in the league, instead bestowing that distinction on Angel Reese.
So far this season, Caitlin Clark is averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, while Angel Reese is averaging 13.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
Reese also has the worst shooting percentage in the entire WNBA when inside five feet from the basket, while Clark recently set the rookie record for most 3-pointers made in a season. Reese has made history too this year, though, with a streak of 15-straight double-doubles.
The Indiana Fever also has a better record than the Chicago Sky and is currently in a playoff position.
According to ESPN, however, Reese is ranked above Clark because of her “narrow edge in PER,” “estimated RAPTOR,” and “individual efficiency ratings” — in other words, a bunch of deeply analytical statistics that only the hardest of core basketball fans understand.
“Though Clark is such a heavy favorite for WNBA Rookie of the Year that oddsmakers have taken the award off the board, the metrics continue to give a slight nod to Reese — though it’s getting closer by the day. Reese’s narrow edge in PER comes from box score stat-stuffing like her numerous double-doubles; she has 2, which is tied for the third-most in a WNBA season, just six off of the Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas’ record from last season,” ESPN says in their WNBA rookie rankings.
Angel Reese ranked No. 1 is so laughable insulting to the game of basketball. https://t.co/4KmZ6959x9
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) August 29, 2024
ESPN is a very sad excuse for a sports network https://t.co/wGEV7kqmEO pic.twitter.com/rOE2u8MChn
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) August 29, 2024
“Reese at 1 is very laughable. I’d probably argue she’s not the best rookie on her team,” one reply to ESPN’s list read. “A lot of hate towards her recently has been bc outlets are forcing a narrative that she is the best rookie when everyone who watches these games knows she shouldn’t even be in the convo.”
Clark and Reese will actually be facing off tonight as the Indiana Fever takes on the Chicago Sky for the fourth time this season. The Fever have won two of the three games thus far.