Fans from around the world tagged the entire 2024 draft class as the ‘GOAT class.’ Rightly so, they have translated their skills quite fairly in the WNBA as well. Hence, when it comes to the discussion of the Rookie of the Year, the options obviously get very tough. Still, like any other award, Caitlin Clark has been the frontrunner for the honor. Following her, is the ‘Chi-Town Barbie’ Angel Reese. But other rookies like Rickea Jackson, Kamilla Cardoso, and Aaliyah Edwards are also making their presence known. So, who will be the chosen one in the end?

There are many discussions going on as to who can finally lift the ROTY trophy. While the golden rookie Caitlin Clark is at the top of the ladder, the distance between her and Angel Reese is closing in. Many also believe that the two just might share the honor. But from the behind, there are some players making their case strong by the day. The official X account of ‘I talk hoops’ shared a tweet suggesting their top choices.

They wrote, “We are officially at the midway point of the season! Here’s a look at our updated WNBA Rookie Leaderboard.” They shared the averages of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Rickea Jackon, and Kamilla Cardoso and asked for the thoughts of their followers. The account also added a comment suggesting how Aaliyah Edwards is at fifth. They also mentioned that the last three positions are quite interchangeable.

I talk hoops also added, “Note: We had Aaliyah Edwards as a close 5th, but spots 3-5 are very interchangeable.” Following the same, the fans stand divided as they wish the Washington Mystics rookie who has been a starter from the early days to be in the top four.

Fans share their honest thoughts on the ROTY race

All of the rookies have been outperforming what anyone expected of them. Truly, their averages are a reflection of that. Ever since Cameron Brink’s injury announcement, Rickea Jackson has done her best to lift the LA Sparks. In fact, she has been an essential weapon for them in the paint. She is putting 10.9 points with 45.3% from the field and 3.8 rebounds in 25.5 minutes on average. Kamilla Cardoso is adding 8.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in 25.4 minutes.

At the same time, Aaliyah Edwards is contributing 8.6 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes. Looking at these figures, a case can be made that Edwards is more efficient and should be in the ROTY conversation. Reflecting on these numbers, a fan suggested something similar. They agreed that looking at the minutes on the floor and points scored, the former Husky is doing a much better job of not being in the top four players.

“There’s no way Edwards isn’t 4. More points than Cardoso with less playing time. Urgh”

Another fan sided with the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double. They mentioned the fact that Caitlin Clark is leading the entire league in points created. In her win over the Liberty, she dished out 13 assists. Rightfully as she mentioned, it was her teammates finishing those runs. But it was still her passing the ball. In fact, over 55% of the matchup’s 83 points were either through the No. 22’s facilitating or her buckets.

“Lol, you can try to make a case for Reese but CC leads ALL WNBA players in team points produced!!!! It’s not going to be close, she’s the clear ROTY”

Cardoso and Edwards are truly going head-to-head in the ROTY race. And so are the averages that these two hoopers are putting up. Resonating with the same, a fan opined that the Mystics rookie is much better than the Brazilian talent. The fan still commended the list created suggesting that it had all the rookies that they follow.

“Aaliyah Edwards > Cardoso but the list is solid”

No matter who does what, Caitlin Clark is going for some huge wins in the final few games before the All-Star/ Olympics break. She has pushed her team to win over the Phoenix Mercury by making a comeback. Similarly, she began the game vs New York with quite a fire and also helped the team when it was trailing by 11 points. This is what everyone has seen her do in the NCAA as well. Slowly but steadily, she is finding her rhythm to become the same confident player as she was back in Iowa. A fan came into the comment section suggesting just that.

“It will be Clark. She starting to look like a player that plays with a team instead of always trying to be the team like in college.”

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have become two very polarizing hoopers in the league right now. That is exactly what one X user accused the account of. They mentioned how it is biased for the Baltimore native. The statistics provided in the tweet show TOs for the Fever rookie but steals for the Sky rookie, an inequality factor that most fans did not like. One of them pointed it out and claimed that the 6-ft guard can do anything and everything on the floor and should be the ROTY. Surely, Clark is the only rookie who has so far averaged 15+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists for over a month now.

“So biased for Reese….yes she is great but Clark is the best all around player. Period.”

While there is a long track left, it is good to see that the fans are finally showing how passionate they are for their stars. But surely, the players themselves will have to make their cases strong as we enter the second half of the 2024 WNBA season.