rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
The 2024 WNBA rookies could potentially go down in the history books, as very few draft classes can match the caliber of players selected last year. In fact, the draft class had so many quality players that the likes of Aaliyah Edwards went under the radar. What’s even more scary is that there are a few players in last year’s draft class that could have a huge jump in their second year in the league. The star of the 2024 draft class was a generational top pick in Caitlin Clark. The only stumbling block for the previous year’s draft class was the health of some players, including Cameron Brink who saw her season end prematurely due to injury. We will make a case for three second-year WNBA players improving drastically in year two as the 2025 season nears.
Second-Year WNBA Players Who Could Make A Leap In 2025
Angel Reese
Angel Reese had a historic rookie season. She was leading the league in rebounds prior to picking up a wrist injury which cut her season short. If Reese works on inside finishing and layups, then she could potentially become one of the top players in the league. Reese negates some of her struggles of finishing from inside with how many offensive rebounds she grabs.
This offseason, she has been working on her layups which she is showcasing in Unrivaled. In 13 games there, Reese is averaging 13.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 15.7 minutes. If she continues working on her game, then there is no reason why she can’t become even more of an impact player for the Chicago Sky.
Rickea Jackson
Rickea Jackson could easily have been drafted higher than fourth overall in 2024, as some viewed her as one of the best scorers in the class. Her rookie season could easily have been better if the coach had given her more of a prominent role at the beginning of the season. Jackson’s first year was still decent as she had the second highest field goal percentage of any LA Sparks player and shot. 34.7% from beyond the arc. Next campaign, big things are expected from her as she will be playing alongside Kelsey Plum which will provide her with more spacing. If they can compliment each other well enough, then Jackson’s points per game could significantly increase from the 13.4 she averaged last season.
Kamila Cardoso
Kamila Cardoso is unsurprisingly doing well in China, just like her former teammate Chennedy Carter. In 34 games, she has averaged 20.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists shooting 64.5% from the field. Her experience overseas will do her a world of good heading into year two despite the level of competition being lower. Cardoso did reasonably well to average 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in her first year considering the Chicago Sky didn’t play through her. If she can work on her midrange game, passing, and aggressiveness this offseason, then she can improve as a player. In Tyler Marsh, she has the perfect coach to help her improve these aspects of her game.
Photo credit: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
