ESPN Surprises with Announcement of its 2024 WNBA Awards Picks, Adding a Twist to the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Debate.
The basketball world was caught off guard when ESPN revealed its much-anticipated 2024 WNBA Awards picks. What started as a traditional end-of-season rundown quickly took an unexpected turn, reigniting the ongoing debate between two of college basketball’s biggest stars, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Both players have been closely followed by fans and pundits alike, as their rivalry transcended college hoops and captured the imagination of the sports world. While neither has officially set foot in a WNBA game yet, their influence continues to shape the conversation around the league, and ESPN’s awards picks reflect that.
### A Shocking Twist: Clark and Reese Factor
Though Caitlin Clark’s injury has sidelined her from her expected WNBA debut, ESPN took a surprising approach by acknowledging her impact even before she officially enters the league. As part of their awards coverage, ESPN created a special category, “Influencer of the Future,” an acknowledgment that Clark’s presence transcends the traditional player profile.
Clark, known for her jaw-dropping deep shots and prolific scoring at Iowa, has built a brand that many believe will carry over into her professional career. Despite not playing a minute in the 2024 WNBA season, her absence was felt so deeply in the fan community that ESPN saw fit to include her as a part of their end-of-season discussions.
On the other hand, Angel Reese, who led LSU to a national championship in 2023 and has a strong following for her brash, confident style of play, was central to ESPN’s analysis of the WNBA’s future.
As Reese prepares to enter the WNBA herself, the debate over who will become the league’s next face has been a hot topic. ESPN’s decision to frame their awards discussion with a “Clark vs. Reese” undertone acknowledges that the basketball world is hungry to see these two superstars compete at the professional level.
### MVP Award: A New Face Rises
While much of the attention has been placed on the looming arrival of Clark and Reese, ESPN’s MVP pick for 2024 reflects the current state of the WNBA. A’ja Wilson, who has consistently been one of the league’s top performers, once again clinched the title of Most Valuable Player.
Wilson’s commanding presence in the paint, her leadership on and off the court, and her ability to elevate her Las Vegas Aces to championship contention made her the clear frontrunner for the award.
ESPN’s panel of analysts praised Wilson’s defensive prowess and offensive consistency, noting that her ability to dominate in critical moments set her apart from the competition.
Wilson’s performance in 2024 not only solidified her as the face of the current generation of WNBA stars but also placed her in a unique position to mentor the incoming wave of talent, including players like Clark and Reese.
### Rookie of the Year: A Heated Debate
With Caitlin Clark expected to sit out the 2024 season due to injury, Angel Reese became the focal point of ESPN’s Rookie of the Year discussion.
The LSU forward, who is known for her high energy, rebounding, and post-game antics, is projected to make an immediate impact in the league. However, ESPN’s analysts were quick to point out that the Rookie of the Year race could be more competitive than expected.
Other contenders like Paige Bueckers, who returned to college basketball after recovering from injury, are also expected to be in the conversation. Bueckers, who had a stellar collegiate career at UConn, brings a similar level of hype and skill to the WNBA, creating a three-way battle between her, Reese, and eventually Clark for dominance in the coming years.
The debate surrounding Reese’s potential as Rookie of the Year highlights the growing competition among this mate
