Who will win Rookie of the Year? Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese? Our WNBA experts debate

The Athletic has introduced a new series of sports debates where two writers analyze a specific topic. In this edition focusing on the WNBA, Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman dissect the Rookie of the Year race.

(All statistics as of Wednesday’s games.)

Sabreena Merchant: Last season featured a tightly contested MVP race in WNBA history. This year, the Rookie of the Year race seems to be just as competitive. Let’s delve into Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark once again.

Ben Pickman: Indeed. We are past the midway point of the season, with the All-Star/Olympic break upcoming next Thursday. Both Clark and Reese will participate in the WNBA’s annual showcase in Phoenix.

Merchant: For the first time in a decade, two rookies have been chosen as All-Stars, with the previous instance occurring in 2014 with Chiney Ogwumike and Shoni Schimmel. This class of 2024 rookies has been highly anticipated, and the selection of Clark and Reese as All-Stars indicates their fulfillment of that promise.

Pickman: And Cameron Brink, before her injury, was also making a significant impact.

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(Photo of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: Emilee Chinn / Getty Images)