Caitlin Clark Finishes Regular Season at No. 1; Reflecting on Brink’s Start

As the WNBA regular season comes to a close this week, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has claimed the top position in CBS Sports’ final Rookie Rankings for 2024. This remarkable player has shattered numerous records and, most significantly, has led the Fever to their first postseason appearance since 2016.

Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky holds the No. 2 spot after a historic season, despite suffering an injury that cut her campaign short. The former LSU standout set the WNBA single-season rebounding record, which two-time MVP A’ja Wilson is currently pursuing.

This final Rookie Rankings highlights some impressive statistics from first-year players this season, as well as recognizing a few additional players who deserve acknowledgment.

Upon closer examination, the CBS Sports’ WNBA Rookie Rankings for 2024 present an exciting landscape of talent.

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, wearing jersey No. 22, has been an unstoppable offensive asset. The guard averaged 19.5 points per game, along with 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds. Clark established herself as a scoring machine while at Iowa, where she set the NCAA Division I all-time scoring record. Her prowess for shooting deep and her skill in reading defenses for craftily creative passes have made her an elite player in the league. Throughout the season, her performance has led her to break multiple records.

Angel Reese, a forward for the Chicago Sky, had a standout rookie year, despite ending her season injured. She averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. Reese has achieved historic milestones, including the most consecutive double-doubles by a WNBA player (15) and the most double-doubles by a rookie (27). Moreover, she set the WNBA single-season rebounding record with 446 boards and became the first player in league history to collect over 300 rebounds in the first 25 games of her career.

• WNBA single-season offensive rebounds record (172).

Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks has made her mark averaging 13.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Even after starting the season off the bench, she quickly proved her mettle, earning a spot in the starting lineup. Jackson’s efficiency is noteworthy; she joined the ranks of legendary rookies, scoring over 500 points in a single season, alongside the likes of Candace Parker.

• She is the fourth Sparks rookie ever to score over 400 points, joining Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, and Lisa Leslie.

Kamilla Cardoso, a center for the Sky, who debuted later in the season due to an injury, has emerged as a standout contributor for her team. Averaging 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, she achieved significant feats, including five blocks against A’ja Wilson, the most against the two-time MVP. Cardoso’s impressive performance includes ranking among the league’s top players in several categories.

• 46 blocks this season, which ties her for sixth best in the league.

Leonie Fiebich of the New York Liberty rounds out the list of standout rookies. Averaging 6.6 points and showing commendable three-point shooting skills at 43.4%, Fiebich has been crucial in helping her team earn a near No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Her best performances highlight her ability to contribute significantly as a solid two-way player.

• She recorded the highest plus-minus of all rookies and the seventh-best in the league.

Additionally, several other rookie players deserve recognition. Aaliyah Edwards from the Washington Mystics made her presence known with impactful performances despite averaging under 22 minutes per game.

Cameron Brink, another talent from the Los Angeles Sparks, had established herself as an outstanding defender. Unfortunately, a torn ACL halted her season, but her defensive prowess still ranks her among the top players for blocks in the league.

Julie Vanloo of the Washington Mystics, despite limited playing time, showcased her potential as a strong asset. She has already set records for three-pointers made and continues to contribute with an impressive number of assists throughout the season.

As the WNBA looks ahead to the postseason, these rookie talents have certainly captured attention and excitement for the future of the league.