ESPN just dropped its updated 2024 WNBA rookie rankings on Thursday, and frankly, I’m stunned. I’m struggling to understand how they arrived at this decision. Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is ranked number one, while Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, a phenomenon in her own right, holds the number two spot. How is that even possible?

Let’s be real: Caitlin Clark is an absolute force on the court. If you asked anyone who understands basketball who they would start their franchise with, I bet they’d say Clark without hesitation. Sure, Angel Reese is a fantastic player, but she doesn’t compare to what Caitlin Clark brings to the game.

This whole ranking situation is getting out of hand. Those who’ve been following from the start know there’s no real race between these two. Yet here we are, with ESPN trying to convince us otherwise. And yeah, I get it — Reese and Clark are often labeled as rivals. But that rivalry stems from Reese’s antics, like her “You Can’t See Me” gesture and that moment she smacked Clark. Reese seems determined to attach her name to Clark, but let’s be honest: the competition between them doesn’t really exist.

Clark completely overshadows Reese when it comes to skill and impact. Reese is chasing the Rookie of the Year title, but it’s clear she doesn’t stand a chance. She wants to be a dynamic offensive player, but right now, she’s not there. She’s a solid rebounder and has great energy, but ESPN seems to be working overtime to convince us this is a real Rookie of the Year race.

But let’s break this down — is there really a competition? I’d argue no. Yet, here we are with Angel Reese ranked number one. How did we even get here?

ESPN pulled out their stats, and somehow, Angel Reese tops the list. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark, who’s arguably had one of the most electric rookie seasons in WNBA history, is sitting in second place. Honestly, my brain hurts just trying to process this.

So what’s the reasoning behind this ranking? ESPN claims advanced metrics are behind it. They highlight Reese’s rebounds and double-doubles, including a 15-game streak. Impressive, sure. But let’s not kid ourselves — we know how some of those rebounds come. She’s often grabbing her own missed layups multiple times. Meanwhile, Clark is out here setting records left and right.

For instance, Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 250 assists. But somehow, ESPN still decided Reese deserved the top spot. And how did they justify this? By twisting the stats to make Reese look better, focusing on rebounds and double-doubles.

Look, Angel Reese is talented, but Clark is redefining what it means to be a rookie in the WNBA. Clark is playing at an MVP level, while ESPN is pushing a narrative that Reese is the top rookie. Are we watching the same games?

Clark’s performances have been nothing short of spectacular, and anyone paying attention knows that. She’s the most talked-about rookie, and for good reason. But ESPN seems determined to put Angel Reese at the forefront, ignoring the obvious.

Just to illustrate how out-of-balance this ranking is, here’s a fun fact: Caitlin Clark is averaging more blocks per game than Angel Reese, despite being four inches shorter! How does that even happen? Clark is out here dominating on both ends of the court, while ESPN is trying to sell us on Reese’s rebounds.

And let’s not forget: Reese has the league’s worst shooting percentage from inside five feet. Yet ESPN is conveniently ignoring that. They’re making it seem like Angel Reese is lifting the Chicago Sky, but the truth is, the Sky are worse this season with her than they were without her. Meanwhile, Clark is dragging the Indiana Fever to new heights practically by herself.

Clark is a game-changer. Even if the Fever lost every game left in the season, they would still finish better than last year — that’s the impact Caitlin Clark is having. At some point, what happens on the court has to matter, right?

The Fever and Sky faced off recently, and it was Clark’s show from start to finish. She dropped 31 points, broke two records, and the Fever crushed the Sky. Clark got a standing ovation as she exited the game, while Reese was practically invisible with just eight points.

This game was supposed to be Angel Reese’s moment, but it quickly turned into a Caitlin Clark showcase. ESPN, are you watching?

Despite Reese’s solid rebounding numbers, it’s clear who’s making a bigger impact. The Fever are now 16-16 and charging toward the playoffs, while the Sky are floundering. Angel Reese’s Rookie of the Year dreams? Buried. Caitlin Clark is the real deal, and she’s proving it night after night.

ESPN may be trying to push a narrative, but the fans see what’s happening on the court. Caitlin Clark is the Rookie of the Year, hands down. Hopefully, ESPN starts paying attention and realizes how ridiculous it is to rank Reese over Clark.