Angel Reese goes ballistic as ESPN set the record straight with their final WNBA
rookie rankings and recognized CC as ROTY.
In a thrilling moment for basketball fans, ESPN recently finalized their WNBA rookie
rankings, and the recognition of Caitlin Clark as Rookie of the Year (ROTY) sparked a
fiery response from Angel Reese. Known for her competitive spirit and outspoken
nature, Reese took to social media to express her frustration with the decision,
emphasizing her own accomplishments during the season.
“I don’t even care about who is ROTY but let me tell you everyone know ESPN is
manipulated, just like the media. Their rankings are not reliable anymore. Also we all
know they do this for money. Somebody is favored I’m not even surprised. Now she
(Caitlin Clark) and her fans are satisfied I guess”.
Angel Reese, who had an incredible year with standout performances and pivotal
contributions to her team, felt her efforts deserved recognition as well. Her
passionate reaction highlighted the ongoing debate within the WNBA community
about the criteria used for awards and rankings. Many fans echoed her sentiments,
pointing out that both Reese and Clark had phenomenal seasons, but the nuances
of individual performance often lead to contentious discussions.
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Angel Reese goes ballistic as ESPN set the record straight with their final WNBA
rookie rankings and recognized CC as ROTY.
In a thrilling moment for basketball fans, ESPN recently finalized their WNBA rookie
rankings, and the recognition of Caitlin Clark as Rookie of the Year (ROTY) sparked a
fiery response from Angel Reese. Known for her competitive spirit and outspoken
nature, Reese took to social media to express her frustration with the decision,
emphasizing her own accomplishments during the season.
“I don’t even care about who is ROTY but let me tell you everyone know ESPN is
manipulated, just like the media. Their rankings are not reliable anymore. Also we all
know they do this for money. Somebody is favored I’m not even surprised. Now she
(Caitlin Clark) and her fans are satisfied I guess”.
Angel Reese, who had an incredible year with standout performances and pivotal
contributions to her team, felt her efforts deserved recognition as well. Her
passionate reaction highlighted the ongoing debate within the WNBA community
about the criteria used for awards and rankings. Many fans echoed her sentiments,
pointing out that both Reese and Clark had phenomenal seasons, but the nuances
of individual performance often lead to contentious discussions.
ESPN Eats Past Words With Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie Ranking
ESPN set the record straight with their final WNBA rookie rankings.
Sep 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) gives
a thumbs up to fans after an interview Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, during a game
between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
On Wednesday, ESPN released its final updated rookie rankings for the WNBA
season.
Some of ESPN’s past rookie rankings (including their most recent one before
Wednesday) have been heavily criticized — especially among Caitlin Clark fans —
because they had Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese slotted above Clark, citing
Reese’s advantage over Clark in advanced metrics like win shares (WS) and PER
(Player Efficiency Rating) wins.
But ESPN’s writers have atoned for those past controversial rankings with their most
recent one, as Clark has assumed the top spot in Wednesday’s final ranking.
“Fever (and Hawkeye) fans, rejoice! Clark has taken over the No. 1 ranking among
rookies according to the consensus of the advanced metrics,” ESPN’s Neil Paine
wrote.
“Since returning from the All-Star and Olympic break, Clark has been one of
the league’s most productive players, averaging 32.5 points per 100 possessions on
offensive estimated RAPTOR — all massive improvements over her season-to-date
numbers from before the break.
“Clark’s vastly improved turnover rate is especially impressive to see, as that had
been perhaps the single biggest reason why the metrics were comparatively down
on her earlier in the season,” Paine continued. “While research showed that the
narrative among some — that Clark’s brilliant passes were dropped by fumbling
teammates – was almost entirely a myth, she has dramatically cut down on the
giveaways while improving her output of passes leading to teammate buckets.”
While the ranking once again came down to advanced metrics, Clark’s win shares
(3.0) and PER wins (5.2) have eclipsed that of Reese (2.8 and 3.9, respectively).
There’s no question that both rookies have amassed sensational first WNBA
seasons. Yet, Clark is the inarguable Rookie of the Year at this point, and it’s good to
see ESPN acknowledge that.
