Even though Caitlin Clark is the clear favourite to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, ESPN seems to think that Angel Reese is the league’s finest rookie, with Clark coming in second. Angel Reese is averaging 13.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this season, while Caitlin Clark is averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
Clark recently set the rookie record for the most 3-pointers made in a season, and Reese has the worst shooting percentage in the WNBA when it comes to baskets within five feet of the hoop. However, Reese has also made history this year with a 15-game streak of consecutive double-doubles.
In addition to having a stronger record than the Chicago Sky, the Indiana Fever is now in postseason contention. But according to ESPN, Reese’s “narrow edge in PER,” “estimated RAPTOR,” and “individual efficiency ratings”—that is, a collection of extremely technical metrics that only the most ardent basketball fans could possibly comprehend—are the reasons Reese is ranked higher than Clark.
“The stats still give Reese a little edge in WNBA Rookie of the Year, but Clark is such a strong favourite that the oddsmakers have removed the award from the equation, though it’s coming closer by the day. According to ESPN’s WNBA rookie rankings, Reese’s small advantage in PER is the result of box score stat-stuffing, like as her multiple double-doubles. With two, she is tied for the third-most in a WNBA season and just six behind Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun’s record from the previous campaign.
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