ESPN star’s Aпgel Reese Rookie of the Year pick explaпatioп draws backlash
Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark: WNBA Rookie of the Year Debate
ESPN pundit Monica McNutt sparked controversy with her rationale for selecting Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky as WNBA Rookie of the Year over Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. “My Rookie of the Year will be based on the standings because I think that’s how you have to measure it,” McNutt explained, emphasizing the importance of team success in evaluating individual performance. “And Sky are in the playoffs now, so, in my opinion, you have to nod first with Angel Reese.”
McNutt highlighted Reese’s impressive record of 11 double-doubles and noted that the Sky lacked All-Star players when Reese joined the team. In contrast, McNutt pointed out that the Indiana Fever already had a strong foundation with last season’s No. 1 pick and 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, who averaged nearly 20 points per game.
Fans who followed the WNBA closely this season, drawn in by the performances of both Clark and Reese, took to social media to disagree with McNutt’s criteria. Despite the debate, both rookies have continued to excel. Caitlin Clark recently became the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double, while Angel Reese extended her double-double streak to 12 games.