Lisa Leslie is one of the greatest players in WNBA history but her view on Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark completely discredits her opinions moving forward. She refused to take a side.
The spineless stance on the ‘Rookie of the Year’ conversation is completely detached from reality— even if the 52-year-old was just trying to keep the peace in a celebratory manner.
Leslie, a three-time MVP, averaged 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds during her 13-year career with Los Angeles. The Sparks won back-to-back league championships in 2001 and 2002. She is ninth all-time in scoring, fifth in rebounds and second in blocks.
This is not to discredit Leslie’s knowledge of the game. No center in WNBA history is on the same level!
However, Leslie is entirely unserious when it comes to her perspective on the current landscape of the league she once dominated.
Reese set the WNBA’s single-season rebound record on Sunday evening, as a rookie, with eight games left to play. The No. 7 overall pick continues to dominate the glass. It is a mark worthy of high praise!!
Although Reese has quickly proved to be one of the best board-getter in the WNBA, her record is tainted by a severe inability to finish at the rim. A large number of the 6-foot-3 forward’s rebounds are off of her own misses. She is shooting less than 40% from the field. Most of her attempts are from inside the paint.
And to make matters worse, the Chicago Sky dropped to 11-21 with its seven loss in eight games since the Olympic break.
On the other side of the ROY debate, Clark is also breaking all kinds of records in her first year. The Fever are over .500 after a slow start in May. Indiana’s most recent first-overall pick is averaging 18.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game.
Numbers-wise, there is a light case for Angel Reese to be named Rookie of the Year over Caitlin Clark. Eye test-wise, there is not. It is abundantly clear which player is having the better season and the odds reflect the runaway ROY race.
Not only is Clark the best first-year player in the league, she is already a top-five player overall.
Lisa Leslie still isn’t picking sides!
She expressed her appreciation for both athletes on Sunday.
I don’t care what comparisons you make both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark deserve the Rookie of the Year Award! The pressure and the weight of this season has forever changed the WNBA and both rookies rose to the top and exceeded all our expectations! Take a bow ladies👏🏽👏🏽
— @LisaLeslie on X
Her intentions are good. Leslie appreciates both rookies for growing the game.
Unfortunately, the award is only presented to one player and that is going to be Clark. Anybody who is willing to accept reality understands the inevitability.
Leslie’s heart might’ve been in the right place, but her delivery was poor. and she got roasted for it There was another way to show her gratitude for Angel Reese without discrediting Caitlin Clark’s well-deserved award!