Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark react during game.Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
A well-known sportswriter, never shy of hot takes, ripped Chicago Sky star Angel Reese amid debates about if she’s a realistic challenger to Caitlin Clark for WNBA Rookie of the Year honors.

Angel Reese has put together an excellent rookie season in Chicago, averaging 13.5 points, 12 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.8 assists per game through her first 23 contests. She set the league record for consecutive games with a double-double (14), a historic streak that ended in Saturday’s loss to the New York Liberty.

On X/Twitter, veteran sportswriter Jason Whitlock pushed back against the notion that Reese should be in the discussions for Rookie of the Year honors with Caitlin Clark, the overwhelming favorite to win the award.

In a blistering tweet, Whitlock stated Angel Reese is “too unskilled offensively”, struggles with her layups and isn’t All-Star-caliber. Whitlock ended his take by stating that the LSU legend is “being used as a gimmick to diminish Clark.”

Reese is having one of the greatest rookie seasons in WNBA history, but it is hard to envision a scenario where Clark doesn’t win ROTY. Through her first 24 games of 2024, Clark averaged 16.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese dates back to last year, when the latter taunted the Iowa point in LSU’s national championship game victory. Last month, Reese also told reporters that people aren’t just watching basketball because of Clark, but also because of her.

Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark Are In A More Important Battle

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of individual award races, ROTY honors certainly aren’t the main focus for Clark or Reese.

Both their teams have overcome slow starts to climb back into the playoff race. Indiana and Chicago occupy the two final playoff berths, but they’re also within striking distance of the sixth-seeded Phoenix Mercury.

With just over two months remaining in the regular season, Clark and Reese have thrilling playoff races ahead of them, and it’ll be interesting to see how the conclusion of their rookie campaigns play out.

Dawn Staley Reveals Her Very Interesting Choice For WNBA Rookie Of The Year Between Angel Reese And Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark, Angel ReeseCaitlin Clark, Angel Reese (Image Credits: Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark, the standout player for the Indiana Fever, is always in the spotlight as many analysts and fans continue to give their opinions about her. However, the most crucial debate surrounding the 22-year-old guard is the long-standing rivalry between her and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

The rivalry began during the April 2023 NCAA National Championship Game between LSU and Iowa, where Reese made a “You can’t see me” gesture towards Clark, indicating her belief that she would win the championship. This incident marked the beginning of a long-term rivalry between these rising stars. However, when it comes to the WNBA Rookie of the Year honor, many analysts and WNBA players give their opinions on their choices.

During a recent interview with TMZ Sports at the airport, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley opened up about her picks for the Rookie of the Year honor. The former WNBA player spills multiple names to determine who can win the award. However, when asked about her pick between Reese and Clark, Staley highlighted that both Reese and Clark have had great years, but if she had to choose between the two, she would select Reese over Clark because of her ability to achieve double-doubles.

“They both are having great years. Don’t get me wrong. If I had to pick a Rookie of the Year at this time … today, it’s Angel. There is no doubt. What she’s been able to do with the double-doubles. But listen, the season is halfway through, and Caitlin is coming.” Staley said during her interview with TMZ Sports.

Staley Raves About Another Star Player Besides Clark and Reese

Staley didn’t hesitate to praise some of the game’s rising talents, including Hannah Hidalgo, JuJu Watkins, and MiLaysia Fulwiley. She expressed her excitement about the future of women’s basketball. Watkins stands out as her favorite among these names due to her incredible talent.

“JuJu Watkins is making a name for herself in the game. She’s been breaking records and showing incredible talent on the court.” Staley added.

Clark quickly gained a large fan base and supporters after her debut in the WNBA. Multiple analysts and players have praised her exceptional court skills. However, she has also faced criticism from some individuals. After her debut, she has faced many backlashes from players and analysts. Recently, former tennis player Serena Williams made a racist joke about Caitlin Clark, sparking debate among fans.