As soon as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Caitlin Clark as the #1 overall pick in April’s draft, the clock began ticking on when the Indiana Fever guard would win her first individual silverware: a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP, and so on. But Clark was entering the league with competition in a stellar rookie class — a group of young players regarded as potentially transformative figures in the WNBA.

Clark’s fiercest competition for Rookie of the Year honors was her college “rival” Angel Reese, who set rebounding and double-double records during her debut season with the Chicago Sky. However, when Reese‘s rookie year ended prematurely due to injury, it seemed only a matter of time before Clark was named Rookie of the Year — but even then, the former Iowa star has found a way to surpass expectation.

Clark on Sunday was named the unanimous Rookie of the Year in the WNBA, capping a stellar debut season in the pro ranks that saw the Fever make the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Reese did not get a single first-place vote despite averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds; her Sky missed the playoffs by two games.

Clark, who averaged 19.2 points per game and led the league with 8.4 assists per contest, was also named to the All-WNBA first team alongside league MVP A’ja Wilson, Defensive Player of the Year winner Napheesa Collier, triple-double machine Alyssa Thomas, and 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart.

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“This is a tremendous honor to be named The Associated Press Rookie of the Year,” Clark said. “This recognition wouldn’t be possible without an incredible group of teammates and coaches, and we are looking forward to continuing an exciting regular season in the postseason.”

The Fever meet Thomas and the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the playoffs beginning Sunday afternoon — and while a championship is not expected in Indiana this season, Clark has helped fashion the platform on which the Fever could take off into true contention over the coming seasons. Reese and the Sky will have to formulate a response of their own once Chicago returns to full health in 2025.

Chet Holmgren Has A Beautiful One-Word Response To 48-Year-Old NBA White Chocolate Showcasing Skills

Chet Holmgren and Jason Williams (Images Credit: Getty Images and X/TheHoopCentral)
2006 NBA champion Jason Williams, popularly known as White Chocolate, recently created a social media buzz with his basketball skills at the age of 48. Oklahoma City Thunder standout Chet Holmgren is among the NBA community reacting to the former Miami Heat guard’s skills.

In his 12-year NBA career, Jason Williams played for several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Orlando Magic. He was known for his incredible passing skills and street ball-influenced playing style.

In a video that circulated on social media, the 48-year-old wowed onlookers with his behind-the-back dimes, bounce passes, and other creative skills. The video, shared by Hoop Central, garnered the attention of several fans, and Chet Holmgren gave a one-word response about Williams’ skills. Holmgren tweeted, “Art.”

Chet Holmgren Trains With Trae Young Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

While the Thunder standout reacted to Jason Williams’ recent video, fans love Holmgren’s offseason training videos. This week, the 22-year-old star was spotted training with Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young, Moses Moody, and Moses Brown. The second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft impressed the fans with his three-point shooting and hooping abilities.