The WNBA rookie class of 2024 hasn’t disappointed, to say the least. What an incredible start to the season with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and even Kate Martin making a splash in the season. Beyond Women’s Sports will break down the rookies who have impressed us the most and the rookie of the year candidates.
Martin Ruben – Angel Reese
Interestingly, the most talked-about candidates for the Rookie of the Year 2024 are all on teams in the bottom half of the league. What I think that says is that one player, particularly highly touted players such as those in this year’s draft class, is not expected to be a savior. Rookies need time to develop, to take what they’ve learned through their collegiate careers, and to make the transition into the WNBA.
After some reflection, a survey of stats, and a basic gut feeling, I’m looking at Angel Reese as the 2024 Rookie of the Year. What I see in Reese goes beyond the persona that she presents to her fans and the media. Also, the swagger with which she comports herself, and what is most decidedly a very specific attitude. I see a rookie who is focused on learning, committed to her team beyond herself and a player who can take her mistakes and not just improve upon them, but understand them.
Angel Reese during the month of June:
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) June 16, 2024
Rebounds — 1st
Double-Doubles — 1st
Steals — 3rd
Points — 2nd (among Rookies)
Reese is currently the only rookie ranking top 3 in three main statistical categories among all WNBA players during the month of June. pic.twitter.com/RwG6hcWsCC
All of that to me spells dedication and desire. I am far more interested in what people do than what they say. Reese shows us what she wants and why she wants it. It is in her face. It is also in the stats. With a couple of exceptions, Reese has competed at a high level, a very high level. I don’t just see a rookie, I see a student of the game.
What I see in Reese on the Court
I also see growth from game to game. Once she can cut down on the personal fouls, which is a problem for every rookie, she will settle into a self-assuredness that will, by season’s end, make her look more of a seasoned pro than a rookie. While all possible candidates are worthy, I think Angel is a step ahead. She has been embraced by her team and coaches and is driven to succeed.
In a season where every rookie has to learn on the fly, Reese is going to catapult herself to the head of the class. I don’t see a Chi-town Barbie; I see a tough, sensitive kid who is dead set on becoming one damn good baller. She gets my vote.
LaDarius Brown – Cameron Brink
While Cameron Brink may not have the offensive stats as some other players in this rookie class, she makes up for it defensively. She leads all rookies, averaging close to three blocks per game. This should
be no surprise as the Los Angeles Sparks center led the Pac-12 conference in blocks all four seasons
at Stanford.
More so, she’s in the top five amongst rookies per game in steals and rebounds. Brink is not
asked to be the lead or even primary scorer on the Sparks. However, she can be if needed for the Sparks in the future.
Clay Maxfield – Caitlin Clark
Despite a slow start to her rookie campaign, Caitlin Clark has slowly become her own throughout the first month of the season. This coincides with the Indiana Fever continuing to find its way. Clark’s ascension comes with the hope that the front office and fans alike had when she was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft in April.
She currently leading the team in scoring with 16.3 ppg along with team highs in assists, six a game, and one and a half steals a night. Furthermore, Clark has been a part of numerous historic performances thus far. This included most recently in a win against the Washington Mystics. She set a franchise record and league record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie with seven.
Caitlin Clark with a near triple-double in today's dub 👀
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 16, 2024
23 PTS | 9 AST | 8 REB | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/g9HxfVii2p
Across the league, she sits at fourth overall in assists per game while also converting on the second-most threes currently with 36, trailing only Minnesota’s Kayla McBride, who has tallied 43 as of Tuesday.
As the lead guard, she has grown more accustomed to the pressures of the W’s defense. Additionally, she has proven to be just as much of a threat from outside the arc. She has in the open court when finding bigs and guards alike for buckets in transition.
Clark and the Fever Finding Momentum
Coming off of a Rookie of the Month nomination in May, the Fever have won two of their last four games. The team will find three of their next five contests coming against teams with a losing record. These opportunities will not only provide them the grounds for more traction this season. Also, it will give Clark a chance to find her flow offensively. She currently shoots 37% from the field and registers 5.4 turnovers a night.
With all of that being said, her growth and acclimation on the offensive side of the ball will be paramount in the Rookie of the Year race. Clark is going up against the likes of Cameron Brinks, Angel Reeses, and Kate Martins of the WNBA world.
Penny Guevara – Kate Martin
The Rookie of the Year race is not as easy as some people think. The most surprising and impressive rookie of this 2024 class is Kate Martin. Martin has come out and showed out. She has started a few games with Chelsea Gray, who is still out with a lower left leg for the Las Vegas Aces. Martin is averaging 4.5 ppg, 2.8 total rebounds and 1.5 assists. She has played in 11 games this season, which is surprising, to say the least, knowing coach Hammon’s history of not trusting her rookies early on in the season.
KAT3 🎯@kate_martin22 // #ALLINLV pic.twitter.com/iErQBUs6x0
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) June 15, 2024
Speaking of minutes, Martin played 32 minutes in the matchup against Los Angeles on June 9th; regardless of Vegas losing, she had a great impact. What’s most impressive is her defensive game. With 2.5 defensive rebounds, 0.3 steals, and 0.4 blocks for the season so far. It is incredible for a player who wasn’t expecting to be drafted and was drafted in the second round as the 18th overall pick. Martin is the draft steal and will continue improving as the season rolls out. She will be a key player in the playoffs for Vegas.
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