The Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese debate has become the WNBA’s version of the age-old “chicken or the egg” dilemma, only with more dunking and less philosophical pondering. As the league hits pause for the Olympic break, fans and analysts are finding new ways to keep the rivalry simmering, like a summer BBQ that just won’t quit.
In a clip from “House of Highlights,” where NBA players moonlight as WNBA analysts, the spotlight was once again on who deserves the 2024 Rookie of the Year crown. Enter podcaster Dan Dakich of OutKick, who decided to toss a little more gasoline on the fire by claiming the debate is less about on-court skills and more about—wait for it—racial lines.
“This is clearly on racial lines, and I get a kick out of it,” Dakich declared, as if he’d just cracked the Da Vinci Code. He then rambled on, comparing the situation to political polling, with a level of subtlety that could rival a sledgehammer. “I don’t know who’s the Rookie of the Year, and frankly, I’m not sure I care,” Dakich mused, casually tossing Clark’s and Reese’s stats around like confetti at a parade. “It’s like polling Harris and Trump,” he continued, adding a dash of politics to spice up his sports stew.
Dakich went on to suggest that people’s opinions on who should win the award are as predictable as the weather in San Diego: “African-Americans are going to say Angel Reese. White dudes are going to say, Caitlin Clark.” A bold statement, no doubt, and one that paints fan preferences with a brush so broad it could double as a mural tool.
For those keeping score at home, Dakich himself is firmly Team Clark, noting, “I’ve watched them both, I don’t think it’s even close.” He didn’t stop there, confidently proclaiming, “Actually, I think Caitlin Clark’s going to be in the running for MVP, screw Rookie of the Year.”
Meanwhile, NBA stars are chiming in with their picks, because why not? Jaylen Brown and Immanuel Quickley gave the nod to Reese, while Luka Garza threw his support behind Clark. Josh Okogie, ever the diplomat, decided to stay Switzerland on this one.
As the debate rages on, the real winners here are the fans, who get to watch these two rookies light up the court with performances that have exceeded even the loftiest expectations. Whether you’re Team Reese, Team Clark, or just Team “Can We Enjoy This Without Making It Weird?”, one thing’s for sure: This race is far from over, and the only certainty is that more hot takes are coming our way.
Stay tuned, because in the world of sports, nothing fuels fandom quite like a good old-fashioned rivalry—and this one is shaping up to be a classic.
