ESPN Receives Backlash for Final WNBA Rookie Rankings

ESPN recently released their final WNBA rookie rankings for the 2024 season. This week marks the last few games of the regular season before eight teams embark on a journey to secure the WNBA title.

Some of the top rookies on ESPN's list include Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, and New York Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich.

In the final rankings, Clark was listed as the No. 1 rookie in the WNBA, while Reese sat right behind her at No. 2.

Following the release of the rankings, WNBA fans shared a few comments about the list. They had some complaints about the article being paywalled and also threw shade at the news company for "finally coming to their senses," since ESPN previously had Reese listed as the No. 1 rookie.

"This is a joke," said one fan. "A set up. Just sad what a company will do for a $."

"No one gives your ranking a 2cents! They were very bad till this week! This won’t cleanse anything!" said another fan.

"CC has been tearing it up since she got some sleep," mentioned one fan. "This league ain’t ready for her first off season."

"Caitlin Clark wasn't already #1? Wow." commented one fan.

"Should have always been number 1." said one fan.

"It took Angel getting injured for Neil to finally admit what has been indisputable for the last 20 games." said another fan.

Reese and Clark have been competing for the WNBA's Rookie of the Year award throughout the entire season.

Reese has posted some incredible numbers in her first year in the WNBA, being the only rookie with a double-double, averaging 13.6 points and a league-leading 13.1 rebounds per game. However, Clark has been sensational.

The Fever rookie is currently averaging 19.5 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. She leads the rookie class in average scoring and the WNBA in average assists.

Clark has also put the Fever in position to compete for a WNBA title. Indiana currently stands at No. 6 in the WNBA standings with a 20-19 record.

They have their first 20-win season since 2015 and will make their first postseason appearance since 2016.

The Fever will play their final game of the regular season on Sept. 19 against the Washington Mystics, capping off the season on the road before they prepare for the WNBA playoffs.

Related: Sheryl Swoopes Reveals Why Angel Reese Deserves More Credit Than Caitlin Clark

Related: WNBA Announces Big News About Indiana Fever Star's Technical Foul