Although the WNBA is on an extended break right now due to many of its stars competing in the Paris Olympics, the debate regarding who should be this season's Rookie of the Year rages continues. Some are picking the Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark , an outstanding 6-foot guard whose dynamic play and innate charisma have helped elevate women's basketball to new heights.
Others, meanwhile, back the Chicago Sky's Angel Reese , whose relentlessness on the glass presence has helped her shatter the record for most consecutive double-doubles. However, one former NBA player, Raymond Felton, believes there is no need for fierce debates when Clark and Reese could share the award.
Co-ROTY
The race for the WNBA's ROTY is neck to neck right now. Caitlin, the former Iowa superstar whose sensational play in college captivated America, averages 17.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. Angel, the 6-foot-3 forward who led South Carolina to the NCAA championship earlier this year, averages a double-double of 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per outing.
However, more than their exceptional numbers, the two young women have done a lot to push the WNBA to the forefront. Their charisma, style of play, and sheer dominance on the court have caught the attention of even the most skeptical fans.
Caitlin's exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities and Angel's rebounding and defensive prowess make them stand out in the league. For these reasons, Felton, the former Tar Heel ace, asserts that Clark and Reese should be adjudged co-Rookies of the Year.
"I'm going co. You can't give it to just one. Caitlin Clark is figuring it out. She's playing amazing basketball. Angel Reese is breaking records. They both deserve it. Give it to both of them," Felton stated on "To The Baha."
Despite the WNBA's history of stars like Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, and the ageless Diana Taurasi, the league has faced challenges with attendance and media coverage. However, the emergence of Clark and Reese, along with other talents like Sabrina Ionescu and A'ja Wilson, has injected a new energy into the league, inspiring hope for its future.
"They have both changed and impacted the WNBA as far as fans and where the league is going in the future. These girls have impacted the game within their first year, and that's great for them and for the WNBA," Raymond emphasized.
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Caitlin and Angel are balling
Many were skeptical regarding Angel's transition to the WNBA, questioning whether her style of play would translate at the pro level. So far, she has answered all her doubters emphatically, racking up 15 straight double-doubles to break Candace's WNBA record.
"We were talking about it before. Everyone talks about Angel Reese and her skill level, but Angel Reese is a walking double-double every time she steps on the court," Theo Pinson remarked.
"People can say what they want, but I would love to have her on my team any day. She's a coach's dream—a walking double-double every time," Felton chimed in.
As for Caitlin, Pinson, a former guard of the Dallas Mavericks, said she's finally showing what she can do at the pro level after a slow start. She regularly racks up double-doubles in points and assists, including establishing a new WNBA record for most assists in a game with 19.
"Caitlin Clark has figured this thing out. She is definitely figuring it out," Pinson emphasized.
While the WNBA still has plenty of stars to carry the torch in the seasons to come, it appears Clark and Angel are already prepared to take the torch and run with it.
Related: "I honestly can't wait to not touch a basketball for a while" - Caitlin Clark on how excited she is to be taking a short break from basketball
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