Sue Bird Weighs in on Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese Rookie of the Year Debate with Bold Statement
The debate over the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award has intensified with legendary figures like Sue Bird weighing in on the hotly contested race between Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese.
Sue Bird, a WNBA icon with a storied 20-year career, four championships, and 13 All-Star appearances, has now shared her perspective on the rookie of the year race. Known for her exceptional three-point shooting, Bird’s insight into the league is highly valued.
In a recent panel discussion with U.S. women’s soccer legend Megan Rapinoe, Bird made her stance on the Rookie of the Year Award clear. While she acknowledged the role of statistics, she emphasized her preference for the “eye test” in evaluating talent.
“I don’t do the stat comparison… it can help when things are close… I just do the eye test, and to me [Caitlin Clark] is Rookie of the Year,” Bird said.
Bird’s endorsement of Clark is no surprise given her own playing style and success in the league. Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie, has made a significant impact with her perimeter shooting, averaging 2.7 three-pointers per game at a 32.7% clip. She also contributes 17.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game.
In contrast, Reese is a dominant force on the boards, averaging 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Her consistent double-doubles present a compelling argument for her candidacy.
With both players continuing to excel, the competition for the Rookie of the Year Award is fierce. Clark and Reese’s rivalry, rekindled from their college days, only adds to the excitement.
As Bird’s clear endorsement adds fuel to the debate, Clark’s path to securing the award involves maintaining her high level of performance and ensuring her contributions lead her team to success.