Caitlin Clark has been awarded the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year title following an unprecedented season.

Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark has been awarded the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, as reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania. She becomes the third player from the Fever franchise to achieve this distinction, following in the footsteps of Tamika Catchings and her current teammate Aliyah Boston.

Clark overcame a slow beginning to achieve one of the most remarkable debut seasons in league history. She recorded an average of 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 41.7 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point range. The 6'0" guard also set several league and team records, notably for the most assists in a single game (19) and the highest total assists in a season (337).

Few players have entered the WNBA with as much anticipation and expectation as Clark, which established a nearly unattainable standard. Even considering the possibility of her being an MVP candidate underscored the challenges associated with transitioning from college to professional women's basketball. Clark experienced a challenging first month, during which she played nine games in May, averaging 17.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 37.7. Additionally, she recorded nearly as many turnovers (5.7) as assists (6.6). The Fever's performance during this period was also disappointing, with a record of 1-8, prompting concerns about the potential continuation of the franchise's playoff drought, which could extend to eight years.

In the Windy City, Angel Reese took full advantage of the opening in the Rookie of the Year competition, establishing several records in the process. She recorded a total of 446 rebounds, which briefly set the record for the most in a single season, and achieved a WNBA record by securing double-doubles in 15 consecutive games. Reese averaged 13.6 points per game and led the league in rebounds, pulling down an impressive 13.1 per game. Unfortunately, a wrist injury cut her season short, leaving six games remaining in the regular season. This injury significantly bolstered Clark's chances for Rookie of the Year, as she was already gaining momentum alongside the Fever following the Olympic break.

Her omission from Team USA ignited considerable discussion; however, it ultimately turned out to be a fortuitous opportunity, granting her a much-needed respite that she had not experienced between the conclusion of the college season and the commencement of her WNBA career. Following the month-long hiatus, Clark recorded an impressive average of 23.1 points and 8.9 assists, contributing significantly to Indiana's qualification for the postseason. What initially appeared to be a tightly contested Rookie of the Year vote became quite clear in favor of Clark. Nevertheless, there is no indication that her competitive rivalry with Reese will diminish anytime soon.