Lisa Leslie champions Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark for WNBA ROY
- Lisa Leslie has publicly supported Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark for the Rookie of the Year award.
- Clark started the season as a favorite but struggled initially, while Reese set a record with 15 consecutive double-doubles.
- As the season progressed, Clark's performance improved significantly, leading to a debate over who should win the award.
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has advocated for Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever to be recognized as Rookie of the Year. Both players entered the league with high expectations following impressive collegiate careers. Clark, who was a favorite for the award, struggled initially, allowing Reese to shine as she set a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles. However, as the season progressed, Clark's performance improved significantly, averaging 22.6 points and leading the Fever to a 9-4 record since July. In contrast, Reese's production has declined, with her team, the Sky, facing challenges in the playoff race. Despite her impressive rebounding stats, including a record-setting season, her shooting percentage has been low, which has affected her overall impact on games. The Sky currently sit in eighth place, jeopardizing their postseason chances. Both players have faced scrutiny regarding their contributions to their teams. Clark's high turnover rate has raised concerns about her playmaking abilities, while Reese's shooting struggles have been highlighted as a factor in her team's performance. The debate over who deserves the Rookie of the Year title has intensified as the season nears its conclusion. Ultimately, while both players have had standout moments, Clark's recent surge and the Fever's improved performance may give her the edge in the Rookie of the Year race, despite the strong start and record-setting achievements of Reese.