Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and 3 other candidates for the All-Rookie Team

September 19, 2024

Every year, WNBA Head coaches vote for the All-Rookie Team, an honor given to the five most impactful first-year players each season. This draft class is particularly strong, with a number of intriguing candidates who could make the five-member All-Rookie team.

While Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are dominating the national conversation, here is the complete list of players who should be selected to the All-Rookie Team:

Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever

Stats: 19.5 points (41.7% FG, 34.1% 3P), 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 5.6 turnovers, 1.3 steals

Caitlin Clark had a historic rookie season. She led the league in assists, broke the WNBA record for most assists by a player in a single season, and set the all-time record for most assists in a single game. Last week, she became the all-time leading rookie scorer and since the Olympic break, 3rd highest scorer in the league.

Most importantly, her play translated into winning basketball games. While she wasn't solely responsible for the Fever's success, she was a leader from a playmaking standpoint and is the team's second-leading scorer this season. Clarke not only met expectations, she exceeded them.

Angel ReeseChicago Sky

Stats: 13.6 points (39.1% FG), 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.2 turnovers, 1.3 steals

Angel Reese proved herself to be a generational rebounder in her first season in the WNBA and may have been the one to be drafted higher than seventh overall. Reese finished the season as the league's highest rebounding average per game and was the second-leading scorer of her rookie class.

There's no denying that Angel Reese's game has room to grow, especially her touch around the rim. She shot just 39.1% from the field in her rookie year. Still, Reese's energy made her the Sky's most impactful player, according to her plus-minus numbers. She finished the year with the best on-off point differential. Any WNBA player (minimum two games played). Chicago scored 22.5 more points per 100 possessions with her on the court than with her off. In effect, the Sky were like an entirely different team when she was absent.

Reese's season was cut short due to a broken wrist, but her impact in her first season was undeniable.

Rekea JacksonLos Angeles Sparks

Stats: 13.2 points (45.6% from the field, 34.5% from three-point range).

Rikea Jackson had a great rookie season from start to finish, but has been especially effective in an expanded role since the Olympic break. Average of 16.1 points per game Since play resumed in mid-August, they have shot 46.4% from the field.

Though the Sparks have had a disappointing and injury-riddled season, Jackson's improvement and offensive efficiency has been a bright spot for Los Angeles all year. She has scored 20 or more points in three of her last five games. Sparks head coach Kurt Miller praised Jackson's improvement and increased competitiveness on the defensive end.

“We're talking about two rookies, obviously, but Rickea is going to be a star for a long time,” Miller said last month.

Sparks head coach Kurt Miller raved about the development of rookie Rikea Jackson during shooting practice today, as she is averaging 14.8 points over the past 10 games.

“We're talking about two rookies, that's to be expected, but Rikea is going to be a star for a long time.” pic.twitter.com/6sjxGz3C68

— Noah Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) August 20, 2024

Camila CardosoChicago Sky

Stats: 9.8 points (52.1% FG), 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 blocks

Camila Cardozo struggled with a shoulder injury earlier this season which likely led to her starting the season a little slower than she would have liked.

But the No. 3 pick has really taken off in the second half of the season, averaging 12 points (on 59.1 percent shooting) and 8.1 rebounds since the Olympics while also proving to be an effective defensive anchor. She led all rookies in blocks per game and has shown steady improvement all season.

Leonie FiebicNew York Liberty

Stats: 6.8 points (47.5% FG, 42.9% 3P), 3.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists

The final All-Rookie team pick could be either Leonie Fiebic or Aaliyah Edwards. Both had great rookie seasons and have pretty similar stats. However, Fiebic will have the edge due to her outstanding performance and the fact that she contributed greatly to winning basketball games.

Leonie Fiebic is not only a candidate for the All-Rookie Team, but also a front-runner for Sixers Player of the Year. The 24-year-old German star was a second-round pick in the 2020 draft, but has made an incredibly big impact on an already-powerful Liberty team.

Leonie Fiebic acknowledged that her three-point shooting is her biggest strength. She shot 43.8 percent from the field this season, the second-highest mark among players who have made at least one three-point shot in the WNBA. Since the Olympic hiatus, her three-point shooting percentage has soared to 55 percent, also the second-highest mark.

Still, it's defense that she relies on, and in the first few minutes of a match, she's focused on that end of the court.

“[I’m] Honestly, he just brings energy, especially defensively,” Fivich said. “When you play long periods like that in the starting lineup, it's hard. [do]It's great to have someone come in and pressure the ball so aggressively and be so aggressive defensively.”

Honorable MentionAaliyah Edwards (Washington Mystics), Julie VanLu (Washington Mystics), Jaycee Sheldon (Dallas Wings)

Last year's WNBA All-Rookie Team

Last year's unanimous Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston, made the top spot on last year's All-Rookie Team. The following players were selected for the 2023 roster: