The 2024 WNBA season is still in its early stages, which means small sample sizes. That’s especially true for the rookies — but we can still take a look at the early returns.
No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark is still in search of her first win with the Fever. Meanwhile, No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink needed just two games to notch a rookie feat achieved by Sparks legends Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker.
Of course, the rookie class is much deeper than the top two picks. While the debut of No. 3 overall pick Kamilla Cardoso is on hold due to a shoulder injury, her new teammate Angel Reese is among the other rookies with big moments in the opening weeks of the season.
Where do these rookies rank so far? Here are the first WNBA rookie rankings to open the season, complete with stats and a grade for their performance.
MORE: Tracking Caitlin Clark’s stats in her WNBA rookie season
WNBA rookie rankings 2024
1. Cameron Brink, Sparks
Stats: 6.0 PTS, 6.0 REB, 3.7 BLK, 2.3 AST, 1.7 STL
Grade: A
Defensively, Brink has been as good as advertised to start her career in the W. By sharing the frontcourt with Dearica Hamby, Brink has the freedom to roam on the weakside, leading to 11 blocks in three games.
She put her skills on full display against the defending champion Aces in the second game of her career, joining Leslie and Parker as the only Sparks rookies with five blocks in a game.
Cam swat ➡️ Kia three!
@cameronbrink22 x @KayNurse11 pic.twitter.com/iZ0KmORu9X— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 18, 2024
And, naturally, LA’s first win of the season was made possible by a game-saving block from Brink. She finished with four blocks in the 70-68 victory against the Mystics.
She’s a generational talent on the defensive end and should only continue to improve through the rest of the season.
You’re not getting past Killa Cam! 🚫@cameronbrink22 x #TheNewClassic pic.twitter.com/dbQ72nd7IT
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 22, 2024
MORE: Why Cameron Brink is the WNBA’s top rookie so far this season
2. Caitlin Clark, Fever
Stats: 17.8 PTS, 5.8 AST, 4.6 REB, 32.6 3P%, 5.8 TOV
Grade: B+
Clark remains an all-around star, but she is dealing with some growing pains as she adjusts to the next level. Opposing defenses have keyed in on the Fever rookie, who has seen a dip in efficiency and has been plagued by some turnover woes.
Things haven’t been much better for her team, either, as Indiana opened the season with five straight losses against a brutal stretch of opponents.
That said, Clark is still leading all rookies with 17.8 points per game and ranks among the league leaders in total made 3-pointers, including a few of the logo variety.
Aliyah Boston block!
Caitlin Clark three! pic.twitter.com/9uby699kij
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 21, 2024
As she adjusts to the physicality of the professional game, expect Clark to settle in and look much more like herself, meaning her efficiency should improve and she could jump back to the top of this list.
MORE: Why WNBA fans shouldn’t worry about Caitlin Clark
3. Angel Reese, Sky
Stats: 12.0 PTS, 8.7 REB, 1.3 AST, 33.3 FG%, 1.0 STL
Grade: B
Reese has been plagued by some foul trouble — an area in which she admitted she must improve — but has been impactful when on the floor for Chicago.
While she leads all rookies in rebounds and is one of two rookies to average double-figure scoring, Reese has not been efficient. Her adjustment to the W is evident in her 33.3% shooting.
Still, she’s come just a rebound or two short of a double-double in each of her games so far. And she’s just the third player in WNBA history with at least 15 offensive rebounds through her first three games.
Reese should clean up the fouls and improve her efficiency when she’s joined by frontcourt mate and fellow rookie Cardoso, who is expected to return to action on June 1 for a nationally televised matchup against Clark and the Fever.
4. Rickea Jackson, Sparks
Stats: 9.7 PTS, 2.3 REB, 0.7 BLK, 50.0 FG%, 42.9 3P%
Grade: B
Don’t sleep on Jackson.
One of the most pro-ready scorers in this rookie class, Jackson’s averaging just under 10 points while shooting 50.0% from the field and 42.9% from deep.
Oh, she’s doing it all in a reserve role for the up-and-coming Sparks.
THERE YA GO ROOK!
Rickea Jackson connects on back-to-back triples for the Sparks on ABC. pic.twitter.com/IEJsUqdYWy
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 18, 2024
5. Aaliyah Edwards, Mystics
Stats: 7.0 PTS, 4.0 REB, 1.2 BLK, 1.0 AST, 0.8 STL
Grade: B-
The Mystics are winless through five games to start the season, but Edwards has had some bright moments. She’s shooting 45.2% from the field, displaying good defensive timing with her shot-blocking ability and pulled down 11 rebounds in her lone career start.
It may take some time, but Edwards will be a great piece for Washington.
