The 2024 WNBA Draft is just around the corner, set for April 15 in New York City. This year, fans will be in attendance for the first time since 2016, eager to witness the league’s future stars begin their professional journeys. Among the standout names is Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who is projected to go No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever. However, while Clark is favored for the WNBA Rookie of the Year, she may not necessarily be the best choice.
Caitlin Clark has been a dominant force in college basketball, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Division I history for both men and women. Her scoring ability, playmaking skills, and 6-foot stature make her an elite prospect. The Indiana Fever, who already have reigning Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, are expected to select Clark, forming one of the best young duos in the league.
Despite her impressive resume, there are reasons to question whether Clark is the best choice for Rookie of the Year. The transition from college to the WNBA is challenging, and not all top college players have seamlessly adapted to the professional level. Clark’s current average of 32.2 points per game is unlikely to be sustainable in the WNBA, where the highest-ever average is Diana Taurasi’s 25.29 points per game in 2006. While Clark’s 8.7 assists per game could carry over, only a few players in WNBA history have averaged at least 8 assists for a season.
Other top prospects in the draft include Cameron Brink from Stanford, Rickea Jackson from Tennessee, and Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina. Brink, a 6-foot-4 power forward, is an elite defender and a strong offensive player. She could be a valuable addition to the Los Angeles Sparks, who are in reconstruction mode after losing Nneka Ogwumike in free agency. Brink’s pro-ready game and ability to reenergize the Sparks make her a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.
Rickea Jackson, a 6-foot-2 power forward, has been a consistent performer for Tennessee, averaging 19.2 points and 7.9 rebounds. Her offensive game is likely to expand at the pro level, making her a valuable asset for the Chicago Sky, who are in the midst of a rebuild. Jackson’s versatility and scoring ability could make her a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Kamilla Cardoso, a 6-foot-7 center, is a dominant presence around the rim and a powerful player. She could form a strong young inside combo with Brink if selected by the Sparks. Cardoso’s career highs in points and rebounds for the No. 1 Gamecocks make her a formidable contender for Rookie of the Year.
Other notable prospects include Jacy Sheldon from Ohio State, Aaliyah Edwards from UConn, and Angel Reese from LSU. Sheldon, a 5-foot-10 shooting guard, has shown off her two-way abilities, making her a valuable pick for the Dallas Wings. Edwards, a 6-foot-3 power forward, is an efficient offensive threat and a strong rebounder, making her a good fit for the Washington Mystics. Reese, a 6-foot-3 power forward, has been named SEC Player of the Year and could be a productive player for the Minnesota Lynx.
While Caitlin Clark is the favorite for Rookie of the Year, the competition is fierce. Each of these players brings unique skills and potential to the table, and their performance in the WNBA will ultimately determine who is the best choice for the award. The transition to the professional level is unpredictable, and while Clark’s college achievements are impressive, the WNBA presents a new set of challenges.
In conclusion, while Caitlin Clark is favored for WNBA Rookie of the Year, she may not be the best choice. The transition from college to the WNBA is challenging, and other top prospects like Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, and Kamilla Cardoso also have strong cases for the award. The 2024 WNBA Draft promises to be an exciting event, and it will be interesting to see how these future stars adapt to the professional level.
Source: CBS Sports, ESPN
