Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been shaking up the WNBA world since their college days, and their rookie seasons are nothing short of spectacular. Now, with both vying for the 2024 Rookie of the Year (ROTY) award, the debate has gotten as heated as a summer day in Miami. And who better to fan those flames than Miami Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson? In a recent episode of “The Old Man and The Three” podcast, Robinson tossed his hat into the ring, casting his vote for Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. His reason? A record-breaking streak of double-doubles that’s left everyone, including Clark, in the dust.
During an in-depth panel discussion on the podcast, Robinson didn’t hesitate to back Reese. “I got Angel Reese as the Rookie of the Year. For sure. She’s got a double-double record. Playing great basketball. I just got to give her the nod,” Robinson declared with the confidence of a man who’s never missed a three-pointer in his life.
However, not everyone on the panel was ready to jump on the Reese bandwagon. Ryen Russillo from The Ringer, always one to stir the pot, chimed in with a less-than-flattering take. “I think one’s a role player… This conversation has become one of the dumbest things of all time,” Russillo stated, as if he were talking about the latest reality TV drama instead of two of the WNBA’s brightest stars.
Russillo’s comments might have been as harsh as a rejected layup, but they didn’t diminish Reese’s impressive stats. Averaging 13.5 points and 12 rebounds, Reese is holding her own against the league’s best forwards. Her performance has made the ROTY race tighter than a double-knot on a pair of high-tops.
Reese and Clark: The Rookie Rumble
Caitlin Clark came into the WNBA with enough hype to rival a blockbuster movie premiere. And while some naysayers tried to quiet the buzz, Clark’s stats have done all the talking. The Indiana Fever guard is averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a league-high 8.2 assists per game. She’s not just setting records; she’s smashing them, including becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double.
Angel Reese isn’t just sitting on the sidelines watching Clark’s highlight reel. The former LSU Tiger is averaging a solid 13.5 points and 12 rebounds per game. More impressively, she’s one of only four players averaging a double-double this season and has even surpassed Candace Parker for the WNBA’s double-double record. Take that, naysayers!
Both 22-year-olds have been making history and headlines, receiving All-Star nods for their exceptional first-half performances. During the All-Star Game, Reese became the first rookie to record a double-double, while Clark dished out a rookie-record 10 assists. Their contributions led to a memorable 117-109 victory over the USA Olympic team, solidifying their status as generational talents.
As the WNBA season takes a three-week hiatus, Clark and Reese will get some well-deserved rest. But don’t get too comfortable, fans. When these two return, expect them to continue their relentless pursuit of excellence and drive their teams towards a playoff push that promises to be as thrilling as a last-second buzzer-beater.
Stay tuned, because the ROTY race is far from over, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are here to make every game a must-watch event.
