"Let them share it": Ex-NBA player advocates for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to share Rookie of the Year award

By Sahir Bhojwani

Modified Jul 22, 2024 11:46 GMT

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Theo Pinson and Raymond Felton caught up on the latest episode of "To the Baha" to examine the Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese Rookie of the Year debate. Clark and Reese find themselves in the midst of a back and forth tussle for the prestigious accolade. Both players have had fantastic starts to their pro careers, and a strong case could be made for either one to win the prize.

Pinson and Felton, who are both former NBA players and have plenty of experience covering the game, addressed some interesting topics on the episode including Team USA's chances in the Olympics, Jalen Brunson's contract with the Knicks and the rise of Houston's red-hot marksman Reed Sheppard. One take in particular, however, seemed to catch the attention of the viewers.

Felton believes the race between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is going down to the wire and that it will be difficult to pick a winner. Instead, he offered a creative solution to settle the debate:

"I'm going co-MVPs...They got to share it. If [the ROTY] is so close, let them share it."

The former University of North Carolina guard went on to say that both players are playing terrific. He also credited their impact on the women's game as one of the key reasons they both deserve the ROY:

"They both have changed and impacted the WNBA."

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, leads the league in assists per game and ranks fifth in total 3-pointers. She leads the Indiana roster in points (17.1), assists (8.2), steals (1.5) and minutes (35.2). She may be only 22 years old, but the Iowa native is leading by example on a team that has missed out on the playoffs in eight straight seasons.

Angel Reese has been one of the most dominant post players in the league. She ranks first in the WNBA in rebounds per game. Overall, the Chicago Sky forward is averaging 13.5 points, 12 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals over 24 games.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have both broken WNBA records in their first season in the league

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark pose together at the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Photo Credit: Imagn

Making the jump from the collegiate level to the pros can be a daunting task but Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have both hit the ground running. They have made major impacts on their respective teams, with the Fever and Sky both in the playoff picture. Furthermore, Reese and Clark have both broken WNBA records in their first season in the league.

Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double when she finished with 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a game against the New York Liberty on July 6.

Earlier this year, Reese shattered the league's consecutive double-double record which was held by Candace Parker. The Sky's power forward logged a double-double in 15 straight games, overtaking the previous 12-game streak Parker recorded in 2009-2010.