Angel Reese Goes Into Fame When ESPN Releases Final WNBA Rookie Rankings and Recognizes CC as ROTY

In a thrilling moment for basketball fans, ESPN recently finalized their WNBA rookie rankings, and Caitlin Clark being recognized as Rookie of the Year (ROTY) sparked a backlash from Angel Reese. Known for her competitive spirit and outspoken nature, Reese took to social media to express her disappointment with the decision, highlighting her own accomplishments throughout the season.

“I don’t even care who’s ROTY but let me tell you ESPN is rigged, just like the media. Their rankings are no longer credible. Plus, we all know they do this for money. Someone gets favored, I’m not even surprised. She (Caitlin Clark) and her fans are happy now, I guess.”

Angel Reese, who had an incredible year filled with standout performances and key contributions to her team, also felt her efforts deserved recognition. Her passionate response highlighted the ongoing debate within the WNBA community about the criteria used for the awards and rankings. Many fans echoed her sentiments, noting that both Reese and Clark had phenomenal seasons, but the nuances of individual performances often lead to contentious discussions.

ESPN Eats Old Words With Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie Rankings

ESPN made this clear with their final WNBA rookie rankings.

September 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) gives a thumbs up to fans after an interview on Sunday, September 8, 2024, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images / Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

On Wednesday, ESPN released its final updated rookie rankings for the WNBA season.

Several of ESPN’s previous rookie rankings (including the most recent prior to Wednesday) have been heavily criticized, particularly among Caitlin Clark’s fans, for placing Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese above Clark, citing Reese’s advantage over Clark in advanced metrics like winning percentage (WS) and Player Efficiency Rating (PER).

But ESPN writers redeemed themselves for past controversial rankings with their most recent rankings, as Clark took the top spot in the final rankings released Wednesday.

“Fever (and Hawkeye) fans, rejoice! Clark has taken the No. 1 spot in the rookie rankings by advanced metrics consensus,” wrote ESPN’s Neil Paine.

“Since returning from the All-Star and Olympic break, Clark has become one of the league’s most efficient players, averaging 32.5 points per 100 possessions on a 60.0 percent true shooting percentage, 39.7 percent assist percentage, 21.6 percent turnover percentage and an estimated offensive RAPTOR of +3.9 — all of which are huge improvements over her season-to-date performance before the break.

“Clark’s dramatically improved pass failure rate is especially impressive to see, as it’s probably the biggest reason her stats are lower than they were at the start of the season,” Paine continued. “While research suggests that the myth among some that Clark’s great passes are being caught by clumsy teammates is almost entirely a myth, she has significantly cut down on her missed passes while improving her pass production leading to teammates’ baskets.”

While the rankings have narrowed once again in advanced metrics, Clark’s winning percentage (3.0) and winning percentage PER (5.2) have edged out Reese (2.8 and 3.9, respectively).

There’s no doubt that both rookies have had impressive first WNBA seasons. However, Clark is the undisputed Rookie of the Year at this point, and it’s nice to see ESPN acknowledge that.