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What Will It Take For Angel Reese To Win Rookie of the Year?

Vendetta Sports Media / WNBA / July 12, 2024

What would it take to make Angel Reese Rookie of the Year?

There’s no question who the top two WNBA rookies are this season. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese took the massive hype they built during their NCAA rivalry straight to the pros. At -750, Clark is the favorite to win this season’s Rookie of the Year award. Reese is right behind her. They each have plenty to brag about. They’re both setting records, and posting incredible statistics. Both Clark and Reese are WNBA All-Stars this season, the only rookies to earn such honors. Despite the current odds, could Angel Reese make a play to take the trophy out of Clark’s hands? If so, what would it take?

First, let’s compare individual statistics and accomplishments.

The case for Caitlin Clark (stats as of 7/12/2024)

Statistics: 16.7 PPG, 7.6 AST, 5.9 REB, 1.4 STL, 0.9 BLK, 5.5 TOV, 39.8% FG, 34.2% 3PT

Notable statistical rankings: 1st in assists (175); 10th in total points (384);
Notable achievements: First WNBA rookie to ever post a triple-double; first WNBA rookie to achieve 350 PTS, 100 REB, and 100 AST

Caitlin Clark is the undeniable new face of the WNBA and women’s basketball at large. She is leading the Indiana Fever out of miserable obscurity into contention. Her attitude and game elevate her team to a level they would not be capable of otherwise. Her passing ability, specifically, is lightyears better than most in the league. She is by far the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, and it would be well deserved.

The case for Angel Reese (stats as of 7/12/2024)

Statistics: 13.8 PPG, 1.8 AST, 11.8 REB, 1.5 STL, 0.5 BLK, 1.8 TOV, 41.1% FG, 22% 3PT
Notable statistical rankings: 1st in total rebounds (250);
Notable achievements: WNBA record for longest double-double streak (15 games); averaging a double-double (PTS and REB)

Angel Reese is posting one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in sports history. If Caitlin Clark wasn’t also a rookie, this wouldn’t be a competition. Averaging a double-double is wildly impressive. At her current pace, she would smash the WNBA single-season rebound record by more than 70 boards. Her output is only increasing. Reese is averaging nearly 17 PPG this July.

How have Clark and Reese impacted their teams?

Angel Reese joined an extremely mid Chicago Sky squad, and they remain extremely mid. Chicago finished last season 18-22, and look poised to do the similarly this season. Anyone watching Reese will see an athlete with a strong individual game, but who does not lift the whole squad in the same way Clark does. Look at Reese’s assists, for example. She’s only averaging 1.9 a game. She peaked on June 16th against the Fever with 5. She is leading the league in rebounds, but this may be because she misses an incredible amount of layups and grabs her own boards. The hustle has to be respected, but missing layups as a professional is not ideal, to be polite.

Contrast this with Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever have sat near the bottom of the WNBA pile for years now. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2016. Indiana only won a combined 17 games from 2020-2022, and ended 2023 13-27. Since drafting Clark, the Fever are 9-13. They’re set to post their best record in years, and are currently in position to end their playoff drought. Clark’s stats and highlights show that she is truly committed to playing a team sport. Frankly, she’d have more assists if her teammates could keep up with her elite passing ability.

Caitlin Clark Makes WNBA History, Gives Credit To Team

What does Angel Reese have to do to pull off the upset?

Reese’s campaign will have to rely on incredible personal achievement, and will come down to differences in specific categories. She will absolutely have to break the single-season rebound record to have a chance. If she can up her assist average and scoring even a little, it will help her immensely. A nod Reese’s favor is the fact that she dominates Clark in a crucial category- turnovers. At 127 total, Clark leads the league in turnovers by an unbelievable margin of +43. Angel Reese only has 39, putting her in a five-way tie for 30th in the league.

There is still plenty of time and season left for each star to continue to make their case. Could Reese end up winning the award? Sure, anything is possible. I don’t think it’s likely. Simply put, this race is 100% on Angel Reese. If Clark only maintains her season, she will win it with ease. Reese will have to raise her ceiling considerably to have a chance. Draft Kings has Reese as a +450 long shot right now, and those are odds I have to agree with.

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