The second week of the 2024-2025 WNBA season has begun! This season is filled with loads of anticipation for rookies. Some rookies have exceeded expectations and some have not. Here’s a glimpse into how a handful of the rookies drafted in the first round have performed.
The four arguably most anticipated rookies to watch were the top three picks, Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso as well as number seven pick Angel Reese.
The number one pick in the draft, regarded already as the mascot for the WNBA, Indiana Fevers Caitlin Clark, has done extremely well as expected. Clark is fulfilling all expectations and is on a miraculous scoring season. Clark is averaging a whopping 17 points, six assists and five rebounds. The only criticism Clark seems to face is on her field goal percentage. Clark currently is shooting only 38% from the field and 31% from the three. Although early in the season, Clark is the favorite to win rookie of the year so far and a candidate for MVP.
Los Angeles Sparks, Cameron Brink, the woman arguably competing for the rookie of the year award, has also been performing great. Brink so far is one the best rim protectors in the league already averaging 3 blocks per game. Brink is averaging ten points and five rebounds per game shooting 49% from the field and a jaw dropping 41% from the three-point line.
The 3rd pick in the draft, drafted by the Chicago Sky, Kamila Cardoso has had numerous expectations on her as her college team was the team to knock off Caitlin Clark during college. After a long wait, Cardoso debuted in her first game against the Indiana Fever June 1st. Cardoso scored 11 points and six rebounds, satisfying fans with her debut.
Chicago Skys Angel Reese is making all the teams regret not picking her earlier. Reese faced some controversy with attitude problems during her time at LSU but now is performing amazingly. Reese has looked extremely dominant throughout her games and has shown off how athletic she is. Reese is performing so well that she is currently starting for the sky. Reese is averaging 12 points and eight rebounds per game, shooting 36% from the field.
The “icons” in the draft are performing just as good as expected, but that’s not to be overlooked by the other players. There are some lesser known players in this class as well, an example is the 4th pick in the draft, Rickea Jackson, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. Jackson seems to be the most efficient scorer in the draft class averaging ten points per game and two rebounds shooting 50% from the field and 46% from the three. Fans can’t wait to see more of Jackson.
Other noticeable players in the draft class include Washington Mystics, Aaliyah Edwards, UCONN’S former rim protector. Edwards was selected 6th overall and is averaging seven points per game and four rebounds in 21 minutes of action per game.
The rest of the rookies haven’t necessarily performed well, three of which haven’t even played. Those being Carla Leite, Leila Lacan, and Nyadiew Puoch, Although leaving some fans unsatisfied, most of the fanbase is excited to see these players kick into action. As for the players who haven’t been performing as well, fans have hope to see things turn around for them.
Time will tell to see these rookies prosper, tune in to the WNBA on platforms such as ESPN, HULU, the WNBA app, FuboTV and many more.
