WNBA 2024 rookie tracker – Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, more

The 2024 WNBA season is about a quarter into a 40-game schedule. And all eyes are on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and one of the most anticipated rookie classes in league history.

The rookie class is chock full of potential future stars. In addition to Clark, forwards Cameron Brink, the No. 2 draft pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, and Angel Reese, the No. 7 pick by the Chicago Sky, are consistently among the rookies in starting lineups.

How do the best rookies play? We’ll be tracking their performances every time they take the field, so check back here every matchday.

Last updated: June 18

Forward | 6-foot-4 | Game Log | Statistics

Last time outside: The Sparks, the WNBA and USA Basketball are all holding their breath, waiting to hear the severity of the No. 2 draft pick’s left knee injury. She was injured during the first quarter of Los Angeles’ 79-70 loss at Connecticut on Tuesday when she fell while driving to the basket.

Brink staggered off the field and was then carried to the locker room by Sparks staffers. Los Angeles coach Curt Miller said Brink will be further evaluated Wednesday.

Brink is a 6-foot-1 forward who started every game for the Sparks this season. He entered Tuesday’s game averaging 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Brink’s blocks average ranks second in the WNBA.

Brink had a 16-point performance in an 87-74 loss in Atlanta on Sunday. In addition to being a key player for the Sparks, Brink is a member of the four-member U.S. 3×3 Olympic women’s team.

What we learned: The Sparks lost the fourth game of a seven-game road stretch on Tuesday. With Brink out, center Li Yueru played a season-high 26 minutes and had 11 points. Li, 25, was drafted from China by the Atlanta Dream in 2019 but did not play in the WNBA until 2022 with the Chicago Sky. Now with the Sparks, this is her second WNBA season.

“We’re praying and hoping for the best for Cam,” Sparks coach Curt Miller said. “But the unintended consequences of injuries are that it will open the door for someone like (Li Yueru) if that proves necessary.”

Los Angeles is 4-11 and must hope that Brink’s injury is not serious. It would be a huge blow to lose such a high-profile rookie for an extended period of time. — Michael Voepel

Next one: at New York Liberty on Thursday (7 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

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Forward | 6-foot-2 | Game Log | Statistics

Last time outside: Fellow rookie Brink left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury, which caused Jackson more shoulder problems. She finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in the 79-70 loss to Connecticut.

Jackson has scored in double figures in the past three games and four of the past five.

What we learned: On Sunday, Jackson and Brink combined for 32 points, which was a big bright spot despite the Sparks’ loss in Atlanta. Now Los Angeles is waiting on Brink’s injury status.

If Brink is out for some time, Jackson will have to step up more. Her season highs in points (19) and rebounds (10) came on June 14 in a loss to Minnesota.

“Unfortunately, the best teams don’t always win in the WNBA. The healthiest teams win,” Miller said. “We send well wishes to all other eleven teams in the league to stay healthy.” — Voepel

Next one: at New York Liberty on Thursday (7 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

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Guard | 6 feet | Game Log | Statistics

Last time outside: The Fever got their first winning streak of 2024 when they defeated the Sky 91-83 on Sunday, following their win over Atlanta on Thursday.

Sunday was one of Indiana’s best games: The Fever had its best shooting percentage from the field (56.5%) since 2022 and most blocks (11) since 2014. It was also one of Clark’s best games in her young WNBA career: 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to have at least 20 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds in a game. Two other No. 1 picks, Candace Parker and A’ja Wilson, had 20/8/8 games as rookies.

What we learned: As we’ve seen over the last two games, the Fever’s offense is pretty good when it works. They also had their moments on defense in both games, and that will be the most important factor in making the playoffs.

Clark broke records during her senior season at Iowa, and she’s already doing remarkable things through 15 games in her WNBA rookie year. She has played five games in which she had at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. That’s the most in the WNBA this year, and the second most by a newcomer in WNBA history. The only rookie to have more 20/5/5 games was Indiana’s Tamika Catchings in 2002.

Clark also has 40 three-pointers in 15 games as a rookie, which only three other players have done, including Indiana teammate Kelsey Mitchell. Clark is the fastest player in WNBA history with 200 points, 75 assists and 75 rebounds.

“The longer she’s been in the league, she’s getting more and more comfortable,” Indiana coach Christie Sides said. “She’s having those moments with her new teammates, and we just have to continue to grow and build on that.” — Voepel

Next one: vs. Washington Mystics on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET, NBA TV)

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Forward | 6-foot-3 | Game Log | Statistics

Last time outside: Reese had 11 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists as the Sky fell 91-83 at Indiana on Sunday. It was Reese’s seventh double-double, the most by any Sky rookie in history. Retired star center Sylvia Fowles, the WNBA’s all-time leader in double-doubles, previously held the Chicago rookie record with six, set in 2008.

Reese’s seven straight games with double-digit rebounds also set a WNBA rookie record. But Reese was annoyed by bad calls in Sunday’s match as she finished with five. She also didn’t agree with being called for a flagrant foul 1 against Indiana’s Clark, but the contact she accidentally made with Clark’s head on a shot-block attempt actually made that upgrade automatic executed.

What we learned: Chicago has lost four straight games, all by single digits. While that’s frustrating, it shows that the Sky are competing quite well, even if they don’t get the results they want.

Reese’s performances this season were consistent and very similar to how she played in college. That’s usually very good. She is an elite rebounder, but she needs to continue to work on her shooting percentage. On Sunday, she was 4 of 13 from the field (30.7%) and is shooting 37.1% for the season. — Voepel

Next one: vs. Dallas Wings on Thursday (noon ET)

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Center | 6-foot-7 | Game Log | Statistics

Last time outside: Cardoso had 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists in the Sky’s 91-83 loss to Indiana on Sunday. She was 4 of 11 from the field (36.4%), which is low for her; she is shooting 48.9% this season.

Cardoso and Reese became the first rookie teammates to achieve double-doubles in the same match since 2008, when Candice Wiggins and Charde Houston of the Minnesota Lynx did so. Considering how both Reese and Cardoso have played thus far, it seems likely we’ll see more dual double-doubles from them this season.

What we learned: The Sky rookie post players had good games, but the Fever’s slightly older posts fared better. Second-year pro Aliyah Boston and third-year pro NaLyssa Smith combined for 34 points, 21 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 blocks for Indiana. — Voepel

Next one: vs. Dallas Wings on Thursday (noon ET)

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Forward | 6-foot-3 | Game Log | Statistics

Last time outside: What is this? A winning streak? After starting the season 0-12, the Mystics earned their second straight win on Friday, beating the visiting Chicago Sky. Edwards had 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting from the field, plus a team-high 9 rebounds. She added 3 blocked shots and 2 assists.

What we learned: Brittney Sykes was out again on Friday evening after a brief return to the lineup. Sykes was injured in the second game of the season in May and bounced back with 18 points in Tuesday’s win at the Atlanta Dream. But Sykes suffered a sprained left foot against the Dream and is now expected to be out for at least another two weeks.

Even with that disappointment and the continued absence of injured center Shakira Austin (who has played just six games), Washington is starting to find its feet — and Edwards has a lot to do with that. Edwards, the No. 6 pick in April’s draft, has scored in double figures in four of her past six games and is averaging 9.1 PPG. — Michael Voepel

Next one: at Indiana Fever on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET, NBA TV)