The 2024 WNBA season is just a few weeks old, and already the rookie class is generating buzz and sparking debate. Headlined by top picks Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, these newcomers are under the microscope, with every performance scrutinized. Despite some initial struggles, particularly for Clark with her high turnover rate and the Indiana Fever's tough start, the rookies are showing flashes of brilliance. As fans and analysts alike react to these early performances, it's clear that the transition from college to the professional stage is full of challenges and high expectations. Here are some of the most notable early overreactions to the WNBA's promising rookie class.
Caitlin Clark is overhyped and overrated
Despite her explosive college career, some critics claim that Caitlin Clark's rough start in the WNBA proves she's overhyped. In her debut, she scored 20 points but also committed 10 turnovers, struggled with efficiency, and faced tough defensive pressure from opponents, sparking debates about her readiness for the professional level. Clark's high turnover rate and Indiana Fever's 1-6 start have led to overreactions questioning her ability to adapt to the WNBA. However, Clark is leading all rookies with 17.8 points per game and ranks among the league leaders in total made 3-pointers, per Gilbert McGregor of The Sporting News. Historically, teams with No. 1 overall picks have a collective record of 384-454 (.458) during their rookie seasons, with only nine of 25 teams finishing above .500, via Cassandra Negley of Yahoo Sports.
Angel Reese is outshining all other rookies
While Caitlin Clark gets the spotlight, Angel Reese's impressive performances for the Chicago Sky are turning heads. Reese's double-double averages and strong presence on the court have some claiming she's the true rookie standout, overshadowing her peers. Despite some foul trouble and shooting inefficiencies, Reese leads all rookies in rebounds and is one of two rookies to average double-figure scoring (Sporting News) (Yahoo Sports).
Cameron Brink is the true rookie star
Cameron Brink's strong defensive performances for the Los Angeles Sparks have led to claims that she is the true standout rookie. Brink's ability to dominate defensively with multiple blocks per game has drawn comparisons to legends like Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker. Her performance in early games, including a game-saving block against the Washington Mystics May 21, has solidified her as a defensive powerhouse.
Women's college basketball fans are overreacting to their favorite rookies' WNBA adjustments
Devoted fans of women's college basketball are having a tough time adjusting to the reality of their favorite players struggling in the WNBA. Many new fans expect their beloved college stars to immediately secure significant playing time or even make the roster, but the WNBA's limited roster spots and high competition level make this unrealistic. With only 12 teams and 144 total spots, making a WNBA team is incredibly challenging, even for highly-touted rookies. Last season, half of the draft picks didn't make the final rosters, per Emily Dozier of The Sporting News, indicating the steep climb for new players.
Clark’s early performance mirrors the experiences of many past No. 1 picks who faced similar challenges. Breanna Stewart, for example, entered the WNBA after a stellar college career but faced a rough start, losing by 30 points in her first game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Despite these challenges, Clark’s impact on the league is undeniable. The Fever brought in more fans in their first two home games this year than in their first seven home games of 2023 combined. Each of their first two home games were announced sellouts of 17,274, already tied for the third-best home attendance in franchise history.
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